Price Of Yam Rises In Jos

Following the persistent crises rocking Jos, the price of yams have skyrocketed in the Plateau capital and its environs.

A market survey by our correspondent showed that the price hike was due to inadequate supply from yam farmers who live in rural areas of the state.

Our correspondent learnt that the scarcity of the tubers was worsened by the refusal of some drivers to convey them from the hinterland to the metropolis for fear of being attack.

The few drivers who were willing to take the risk, had increased the transportation cost from N60,000 to N90,000 per truck load.

A source in one of the markets disclosed that due to insecurity in the Plateau, drivers conveying yams from Bauchi to Jos spent up to seven hours on the road instead of the usual two hours.

Asked for his reaction to the high cost of yams, Alhaji Maigari Lamido, the Chairman, Yam Sellers Association in Jos, blamed the situation on the state of insecurity in the Plateau.

He said that many vehicle owners had stopped their drivers from conveying yams from the southern part of Plateau to Jos for fear that their vehicles might be attacked.

Lamido also complained about the scarcity of diesel along the Jos-Bauchi Road, adding that the few traders who take the risk could not but increase their transportation cost to compensate for the loss they might incur.

Consequently, 50 yam tubers that sold for N7,000 before the crises, now cost are now N10,000, while 60 tubers has increased from N10,000 to N13,000.

He called for peaceful existence between the various ethnic groups in the state to end the hardship suffered by the people.

Meanwhile Vegetable sellers at the building materials market in Jos have complained of low patronage due to the incessant crises rocking the city.

Mr Christopher Audu, the Chairman, vegetables and potatoes section of the market, told the our correspondent in Jos that patronage had been “very low lately.’’

He said that most of their customers who usually come from outside the state, were “too scared” to come to the city.

“Currently, we have a glut of vegetables wasting away without buyers; we are forced to sell at give-away prices because supply is much higher than available demand, ’’ explained.

He described the situation as ‘sad’ since vegetables were perishable.

Audu, however, assured buyers of their safety, adding that the market authority had made adequate security arrangement to ensure that lives and properties were adequately secured.

“We have soldiers and policemen who stay with us to ensure that there is no breach of law and order; there is no problem in the market.

“Our customers are therefore, encouraged to come and transact their businesses because the market is fully secured and peace has now returned in the state,” he said.

It was gathered that a basket of tomatoes that usually cost N5,000 is now being sold for N1,500, while a bag of green pepper that goes for N1,000 as against N2,000 before the crises.

The prices of cabbages, peas and green beans have also slumped due to low demand.