Ismaila Aderemi, the B abaloja of Bodija International Foodstuffs Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, has vowed to sanction anyone caught hoarding foodstuffs from intending buyers.
Speaking in Ibadan, on Sunday, he said; “Our traders, especially those at Bodija international markets, are currently selling commodities at prices higher than what obtains in some other markets within and outside Ibadan. The decision by the traders followed the public outcry over the soaring prices of essential commodities and the high cost of living in the country.
He further moved to assure residents of Ibadan that the leadership of the market would fish out traders engaging in hoarding commodities or abnormal increase in their prices, adding that they would be disciplined according to the laid down rules of the market.
“I can tell you that you cannot find anyone in this market hoarding consumables. We are not involved in the allegation. You can move around to confirm this yourself. I can also invite some of our traders without prior notice to ask them about the prices of their various consumables and I can assure that their responses will amaze you.
“The rising prices of commodities in the market were not arbitrarily done by our members; it was brought about by what we bought, but since things are gradually coming down, we have also adjusted the prices of our commodities,” the market leader said.
“We will ensure that our present stocks don’t go beyond the current prices, for the sake of our people. We don’t even mind running at a loss than throwing our people into difficulties,” he added.
The Market Leader, however, denied the rumours making the rounds that rice sellers’ association at Bodija market mandated its members to sell the product at higher prices in spite of the reduction in its price.
He stated that no association had the right to force prices of goods on its members.
He said, “The price of rice is now coming down. Most of us who still have in our stores have to sell at a loss to restock.’’