According to Punch post, consumers in Benue State are expressing joy and relief as prices of major foodstuffs have dropped sharply across markets in Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo and other parts of the state, bringing long-awaited respite after months of soaring costs that strained household budgets.
Traders, farmers and buyers confirmed that essential staples such as garri, rice, yam, beans, maize and vegetables have recorded significant reductions over the past two weeks, a development many described as “unexpected” but “deeply welcomed.”
At the Wurukum Market in Makurdi, several buyers said the sudden decline has eased financial pressure on families.
One resident, Mrs. Rose Agada, said she was pleasantly surprised when she visited the market.
“I could not believe it when the garri woman told me a basin had dropped by almost half. I asked her twice to be sure.
Things were becoming too difficult for us, so this reduction is a big relief,” she said.
Traders attribute the price crash to improved supply from rural communities following recent harvests as well as reduced transportation costs in some areas.
A yam seller in Gboko, Mr. Tersoo Aondo, said, “New yam is now everywhere, and the farmers are bringing plenty to the market.
When supply is high like this, the price must go down.
Before, a big tuber was going for over ₦2,000, but now you can get the same size for ₦1,000 or even less.”
Another trader dealing in grains explained that the easing of certain security challenges along farming routes has also encouraged more farmers to bring produce to the markets.
“People can now move more freely, so food is reaching town faster.
We are selling beans cheaper because we have enough stock,” he stated.
Residents say the reductions have encouraged them to buy in larger quantities, especially items that can be stored for months.
Some, however, warn that the trend should not be taken for granted, noting that prices in Nigeria can fluctuate quickly.
A community leader in Otukpo said, “We thank God for this drop, but government should also work more on making these prices stable.
Today it is down, tomorrow anything can happen.”
Despite the concerns, the overall mood in Benue markets remains cheerful as households take advantage of the rare cost decline, hoping it signals a more sustainable period of affordability.
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