Some traders at the popular Ikpoba Hill Market in Benin City converged on Saturday night for business shortly after the close of the Edo State governorship poll.

There was restriction of movement during the election hours which ended at 6pm.

The exercise affected commercial activities as shops and markets remained shut.

Some traders, who spoke in separate interviews, said they were hopeful to make good sales despite opening late for sales.

They argued that there were people who cannot do without coming to the market to buy foodstuffs on a daily basis.

According to them, such buyers must come regardless of the time.

A fruit seller, Loveth Idemudia, said she came to market to save her goods from getting spoiled.

“I bought many loaves of bread and other fruits and if I fail to do night sales, they might get bad. I won’t be able to sell them tomorrow morning because I will be going to church,” Mrs Idemudia said.

She said that, in spite of arriving at the market at about 6.39pm, she had made reasonable sales and was hopeful to sell the stuff before going home.

Another trader, Angela Osas, who sells ‘fufu’, said she had sold one bucket of the food within an hour.

“I got this business idea after the 2023 general elections and today I can tell you that my coming here tonight has been rewarding,” Mrs Osas said.

A tomato seller, who identified herself simply as “Mama Baby,” said her target was to sell her products to avoid any loss.

“I didn’t come on time, but I know that I will finish my goods quickly because people are buying gradually since about an hour ago I came,” she said.

A customer, Cecilia Emeka, who came to make some purchases at the market, said that many shops in her area were shut, hence she had no other choice but to come to the market.

(NAN)