As Nigerians and other international interests await the final declaration of the 2019 presidential election results, many residents in Kaduna city have remained in their areas of abode due to apprehension.
A tour of a major spare parts market at popular Ori-Apata and electronic mega shops by Ahmadu Bello way saw several shops under lock and key, including mechanic workshops.
The development was born out of previous experiences where so many businesses have closed due to social unrest, one Ibrahim told Daily Sun at Ori-Apata on Tuesday morning.
“Owners of these shops have not been coming as they used to since last Saturday when the election took place because of fear of election violence that may break out,” Ibrahim said.
“I think it was due to sad experiences some of them had in previous crises we have survived in this part of Kaduna. Many of them are Igbo. While some of them travelled home for the election, others simply stay at home and are waiting for the election things to be over.
“We are just hoping that Nigeria and Nigerians will get it right one day and our businesses will no longer be operating in fear of the bad boys who are readily waiting for any small opportunity to kill, maim and loot shops,” he said.
The story was the same with traders at Ahmadu Bello, a major hub for electronics and technology product sales.
On a normal week day, the traffic on this axis of Kaduna’s major road is busy due to regular business activity; but this Tuesday, the usual traffic was absent.
State security personnel were sighed in their vans, patrolling the city centre.
