Panic Buying as Ondo Orders Total Closure of Markets

Panic on Monday gripped residents of Ondo State as the state government ordered total closure of all markets in the state irrespective of item sold in the market.

The state Governor, Oluwaroyimi Akeredolu, gave the order in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

The government had last week ordered partial closure of markets, but exempted food, water and medicine sellers, however, the system, according to findings, seemed not to be working.

The statement said: "It has been observed however that residents have flagrantly disobeyed this directive which is a potent measure to avoid the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

"Compelled by this unwholesome infraction, the state government hereby places a total ban on all markets across the state with effect from March 31, 2020. This ban is irrespective of any item sold in the market. For emphasis, all markets must remain closed until further notice."

 

As the news filtered into town, residents quickly moved to different markets to purchase food items which resulted in panic buying.

The panic buying has already resulting in hike in prices of food items.

Sequel to the sudden hike in price of food items, residents have started complaining, blaming the state government for not giving them adequate notice to prepare.