Northern traders end southern food blockade after ‘Buhari begged us with N4.75 billion’

The Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and Cattle Dealers in Nigeria (AUFCDN) has ended its North-South food blockade after the Federal Government agreed to pay its members N4.75 billion.

AUFCDN President Muhammad Tahir announced this in Abuja after a meeting with the Federal Government, represented by Kogi governor Yahaya Bello.

The North’s traders had blocked food supply to the South to demand the payment of N4.75 billion compensation for the lives of their members and properties lost during last October’s #EndSARS protest and the recent Shasha Market mayhem in Oyo State.

Miyetti Allah and Fulani herdsmen, who claim the same damages, will also benefit from the compensation package.

The traders had also demanded the dismantling of road blocks on federal highways and an agreement with state governments to withdraw services anytime their members are attacked.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Tahir said the government agreed to ensure protection of the union’s members and stop multiple taxation as well as intimidation by security officials on the highways.

“All stakeholders and members of AUFCDN in our nationwide strike are glad we achieved what we wanted to achieve,” he said.

“Since Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello begged us on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, we agreed to call off the nationwide strike today.”

Addressing the aggrieved unionists during the reconciliatory meeting, Governor Bello said the blockade had led to increase in hardship that majority of Nigerians were already passing through, including members of the union.

The governor and Fani-Kayode, later tabled the union’s demands before the government through the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.