As the flooded River Niger has receded to its normal level after weeks of flooding, traders at Lokoja Kpata, who vacated their stalls due the flood, have started counting their losses.
Daily Trust reports that the devastating flood took over all the areas covering the market forcing the traders to flee.
- COVID-19 spike: Gen Irefin dies, Buratai, senior officers in isolation
- 20,000 business owners apply for COVID-19 survival fund in Yobe
However, following the receding of the waters, a number of traders have started returning to their shops to pick up their businesses.
Malam Aminu Ibrahim, who sells fried fish, thanked God that the water has receded but said he was returning to the market because he has no alternative.
“I depended on my colleagues in the same business for survival for the period that the flood lasted,” he said.
He called on the state government to extend the embankment to his side and beyond to avoid being affected by the perennial flooding in the town.
Hajia Menuna Idris who sales foodstuff said it was her worst experience in the 20 years she had spent doing business in the market.
According to her, she was forced to suspend the schooling of her three children because she had no money to pay their school fees.
“This is the only place I have been running my business before the ravaging flood”, she said and urged the government to do everything possible to avert future occurrence.
“I am pleased to announce to you that I am back to business in this Kpata market”, another business man, who deals in second hand clothes told North Central Trust correspondent.
Mr. Chukwu Odili said he moved around from market to market with his wares but was in love with Kpata market because of its numerous opportunities.
He said the situation was really bad for business in Lokoja and its environs as it adversely affected many of his colleagues.
