Traders at Ikpoba Hill Market in Benin City resumed business on Saturday night, immediately after the Edo Governorship Election ended.
The election, which lasted until 6 pm, had restricted movement and forced many shops and markets to close throughout the day.
Despite the late opening, many traders were optimistic about making good sales according to Vanguard. They explained that some customers cannot go a day without visiting the market, no matter the time.
Mrs. Loveth Idemudia, a fruit seller, shared her reason for coming out late, saying, “I bought many loaves of bread and fruits. If I don’t sell them tonight, they might spoil. I won’t be able to sell them tomorrow morning because I’ll be going to church.”
She arrived at the market around 6:39 pm and had already made decent sales, expecting to sell everything before heading home.
Another trader, Mrs. Angela Osas, who sells ‘fufu,’ said she sold a whole bucket of the food in just one hour. “I got this business idea after the 2023 General Elections, and today I can say that coming here tonight has been worth it,” Osas added.
A tomato seller, known as “Mama Baby,” said her goal was to avoid losses by selling her products that night. “I didn’t come early, but I know I’ll sell everything because people have been buying little by little since I arrived about an hour ago,” she said.
Cecilia Emeka, a customer, explained that many shops in her area were closed, which is why she decided to come to the night market for her purchases.
