By Babalola Lukman Laleye
The Niger State Governor,Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello on Friday brought relief to victims of fire that recently engulfed Minna central market as he doled out N47 million to cushion the effect the inferno.Speaking during the presentation financial assistance to 44 victims of the fire that recently engulfed a section of the Kure ultra-modern Market, in the Niger state capital main market in his office.Alhaji Sani Bello decried the persistent hike in consumable goods by traders during festive periods, saying the act was unfair,especially to the down trodden ones.The Governor condemned the growning trend of arbitrary hike in prices of food items by market traders during festive seasons."I am worried and disturbed by the growing trend of arbitrary hike in prices of food and other consumable items during Ramadan, Sallah and Christmas festivals by market men and women.This development is unfair especially to the down trodden and the masses in general."In most cases, this hike occurs at crucial periods, such as ramadan when we ought to be our brother's keeper and avoid profiteering through exploitation of the down trodden.This is a period our market men and women chose to hike prices of their goods.As much as you are to make profit,it should not be by hiking prices," the governor advised.He challenged the leaders of the market men and women to prevail on their members to be considerate in fixing prices adding that they should also advice government on how to forstall future hike in prices."I challenge market leaders to look into this unfortunate trend with a view to stopping it. Government will be ready to support you," the governor told the market leaders.The Governor later presented cash donation to the affected victims.In his response the Chairman of the market's traders association,Alhaji Bala Kura commended the governor's effort towards assisting the victims and pleaded for more assistance from the state at all times.He added that the kind gesture was of great value to them.
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