Scarcity of orange hits Lokoja as Ramadan begins
However, other fruits like pineapples, watermelons, garden eggs, cucumbers and a host of others could still be found in the city.
The orange section
Orange, which is one of the major fruit used by Muslim faithful to break their fast during the month of Ramadan has disappeared in Lokoja leaving the faithful to scamper for alternatives at high prices.
It was not clear whether this scarcity was peculiar to Lokoja, the state capital and its environs, but the sellers, who spoke with North Central Trust could not explain the reasons behind the scarcity of the fruit.
However, other fruits like pineapples, watermelons, garden eggs, cucumbers and a host of others could still be found in the city.
None of the vendors could understand the dramatic disappearance of this all-important citrus fruit nor could any of them proffer immediate solution to it, but Malam Abdullahi Musa, who sells fruits at Ganaja junction, said the scarcity might not be unconnected with the gimmicks that often precede hike in prices of such commodities by dealers.
According to him, dealers usually create artificial scarcity of essential commodities so as to hike the price for their selfish end.
He said that other available fruits like watermelon, banana, cucumbers and water melon, could serve as substitutes.
He wondered why it has become the practice by such dealers to hike prices during such periods like Ramadan instead of helping people to carry out their religious obligation with ease.
“We will do our best to practise our religion faithfully despite hurdles placed before us by those who should know better.