Residents of Abuja, the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) and environs are ‘invading’ major shopping malls and
local markets to shop for food and other household items in anticipation
that the government might order a lock down following increasing cases
of COVID-19 in the country.
Some of the major supermarkets which
have witnessed what an observer described as unprecedented patronage in
the last 48 hours, according to investigations, are NEXT Carry ‘N Carry
in Jahi, outlets of Sahad Stores in various parts of the city as well as
Shoprite outlets along Airport Road, Jabi and Central Area, among
others.
Residents were also seen shopping at local markets in Nyanya and Karu (Abuja) as well as Mararaba in Nasarawa State.
The unusual traffic situation at Sahad
Stores close to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aroused the curiosity
of our correspondent.
Investigations revealed that
motorists who caused the traffic build-up were on queue to access Sahad
Stores, thereby making it difficult for other road users to move freely.
Some shoppers, who spoke with our
correspondent said they had no choice than to stockpile food items in
anticipation of a possible lock down over COVID-19 outbreak.
Items in hot demand are cereals, protein, beverages, cabohydrates, toiletries and other household items.
A resident, who simply identified
herself as Obiageli said that when she heard about the shopping
spree by Abuja residents on Wednesday, she called her husband to visit
any Shoprite outlet and shop for the family.
A visit to Karu Market in Abuja
Municipal Area Council (AMAC) where our correspondent went to buy some
items showed that most of the shopping centred around garri, beans, rice
and protein.
The residents, who could afford to buy
household items in Abuja are already buying and stockpiling basic
necessities in anticipation that the government might order a closure of
markets and other public facilities.
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