Traders Shut Down Makurdi Modern Market Over Surging Car Thefts

In a bold move to draw attention to a growing security crisis, traders at the Makurdi Modern Market in Benue State have completely shut down operations, citing “incessant cases of car theft” that have plagued the area. The protest, which halted all buying and selling activities, underscores the frustration of local business owners who feel abandoned amid rising criminality in one of the state’s key commercial hubs.

The Makurdi Modern Market, a bustling center for foodstuff, electronics, and everyday goods, has long been a lifeline for residents in the Benue capital. However, recent weeks have seen an alarming spike in vehicle thefts, with traders reporting multiple incidents where cars parked within or near the market premises vanished without a trace. According to accounts shared by the protesters, thieves operate with impunity, striking during peak hours and exploiting the market’s crowded layout to make quick getaways.

“We can’t continue like this,” one trader told Punch Newspapers during the shutdown. “Every day, someone loses a car. We’ve reported to the police, but nothing changes. Shutting down is our way of saying enough is enough.” The action has affected hundreds of vendors and thousands of customers who rely on the market for daily supplies, turning what is usually a vibrant trading ground into an eerie ghost town.

Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation” due to its agricultural prowess, has grappled with various security challenges in recent years, including farmer-herder clashes and banditry in rural areas. But urban thefts like these in Makurdi highlight a different facet of the insecurity plaguing the region. The market’s location along major roads makes it a prime target, yet inadequate lighting, poor surveillance, and delayed police response have only exacerbated the problem.

Local authorities have acknowledged the issue, with the Benue State Police Command promising increased patrols in the area. However, traders remain skeptical, demanding concrete measures such as the installation of CCTV cameras, dedicated security posts, and community policing initiatives. Until these are implemented, they warn, the shutdown could extend indefinitely, potentially ripple-effecting the local economy.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of how unchecked crime can disrupt livelihoods and erode public trust. As the full story unfolds in ongoing discussions and potential negotiations, residents of Makurdi hope for swift action to restore safety and normalcy to their beloved market. For now, the gates remain closed, and the message is clear: security cannot be an afterthought in Nigeria’s thriving urban centers.