The Onion Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (OPMAN) on Sunday threatened to cut off supply of onions to the South-East from Monday the 7th of June, 2021, if the Federal fail to accede to its demands.
OPMAN had demanded for government to pay compensation to its member who suffered losses as a result of attacks on them by hoodlums in the South-East.
The traders also asked government to restore law and order in the the zone, as well as carry out a thorough investigation to uncover the remote causes of the attacks on their members.
In a statement on Sunday by the group’s President, Aliyu Isa, the organisation called on host communities in the region to respect the constitutional rights of northern traders in their respective states.
Isa also noted that members of the association have lost onions and property worth N4.5 billion in various attacks in the South-East and should be compensated.
He said: “During the Aba crisis in Abia State, OPMAN lost three members, while about 30 trailers, nine utility cars, 50 stores and 10,000 bags of onion, among other valuables belonging to their members, were destroyed.
“In Shasa, Oyo State, 27 lives, five trailers, 5,600 bag of Onions, 12 utility vehicles and other valuables were lost while in Imo State, our members lost over N13 million worth of onions recently after they were attacked and robbed by hoodlums.
“After full deliberation by the executive members of this association and the failure of government to respond to our cry, we have resolved that we are shutting down the supply of onions to the entire South by Monday, June 7, 2021, unless all our demands are met.”
