By Juliet Ezeh
Karu Market in Abuja remains closed during FCT Area Council elections as security forces enforce movement restrictions, drawing criticism from traders over economic disruption.
Commercial life came to a halt on Saturday at Karu Market along the Karu/Karshi Expressway as residents and traders complied with security restrictions put in place for the ongoing Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.
Normally bustling with activity and serving as a hub for food items, clothing, and agricultural tools, the market was completely shut as voters left their homes to participate in the polls. Security operatives barricaded access to prevent buying and selling near polling units at Yepwi Galadinma, LEA Primary School, and Ungwa Pashai, creating a near-deserted scene in the trading centre.
Traders expressed frustration over the shutdown, noting that daily earnings are crucial to their livelihoods. One trader, Yohanna, lamented that while some residents had voted and others chose not to participate, all were prevented from conducting business. “We sell things every day to make ends meet. Time is important to us. Not being allowed to operate our shops is very difficult to understand,” he said, urging authorities to balance electoral security with economic needs.
Election-day restrictions, including market closures and movement limitations, are often enforced to maintain security, prevent voter intimidation, and ensure the smooth conduct of voting and result collation. However, analysts and civil society groups have long criticized the economic impact, particularly on informal sector operators who rely on daily income.
For traders at Karu Market, the shutdown highlighted the tension between civic duty and economic survival, as many anxiously awaited the close of voting to resume business. Observers note that finding a middle ground between electoral integrity and economic continuity remains a key challenge in Nigeria’s urban polling areas.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.