Traders in Kebbi Decry Rising Grain Prices Due to Alleged Security Extortion

Traders and farmers in Kebbi State are expressing concern about the increasing cost of transporting grains, citing alleged extortion by security operatives.

The traders revealed that they are required to pay a hefty sum of N600,000 to move a truckload of grains through security checkpoints, manned by various forces such as the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Customs, and Nigerian Immigration.

Tukur Muhammad, Secretary of Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers, spoke out against the situation, particularly along Bagudo in the Bagudu Local Government Area. He disclosed that marketers are forced to pay N1000 for each 100kg bag of any grain, attributing the surge in food prices to the extortion practiced by security operatives in the area.

Muhammad highlighted instances where grain suppliers face extortion fees of N600,000 to transport their goods, emphasizing that these additional costs significantly contribute to the high prices of essential commodities.