Christmas: Despite ‘Hardship’, Covid-19, Enugu Sees Huge Crowd Of Returnees

Despite the resurgence of the Covid-19 and the high cost of living across the federation, the Enugu metropolis has witnessed an upsurge of returnees from across the federation and beyond. The development has led to increasing gridlocks in most roads in the metropolis, making human and vehicular movement difficult.

A returnee from Lagos, Obinna Asogwa, told our correspondent that he made it a duty to always return to his country home Amechi in Awkunanaw, Enugu, during Christmas over the years. According to him, “My family members are living in my village. I see them only during this celebration. It is also the time that my extended family members return home to discuss the way forward for our family and also community.”

Chinaza Ugwueze lives in Abuja. Despite the huge transport fare, she said she made it home because of the necessity. In her words, “I paid N7, 000 to return to Enugu. It used to be N5, 000. The Covid-19 made this year dull, but this celebration gives us the ample opportunities to reunite with our loved ones. Many people return home because this period is when marriages and burials are held. In fact, it is almost a tradition in Igbo land to hold occasions during yuletide because many people from all walks of life do return home this period. I’m aware that Covid-19 is said to be back. You can see I observe the protocols. I also pray for God’s intervention.”

A driver working for a major transport company in Enugu, Martin Ikpogu, said, “We have more passengers returning to Enugu than those leaving Enugu. That is why the fare varies. Travelling to Abuja from Enugu costs even N4, 000, but the reverse is almost double.”

However, keke operators in Enugu metropolis have increased their fares by 100 percent. An operator, who refused to mention his name, said, “I didn’t want to come out today, being Tuesday. But I was told that every drop is now N100. It has been good because we have suffered. Those taking us on a charter pay more. From New Market to Agbani road is N1, 500 as against N600. Passengers want us because we know ‘corner-corner’ roads when there are ‘go-slows’. Any drop now is N100 and more.”

Various filling stations in Enugu and its environs however did not increase their pump prices. Most of them fixed their prices around N165. Men of the FRSC, the police and the state road traffic operatives were seen controlling traffic.

Meanwhile, there is no increase in crimes in the state. The state police commissioner, CP Ahmad AbdurRahman, had earlier ordered all area commanders, divisional police officers and heads of operational units of the command to intensify efforts to effectively police security flashpoints, as well as all the nooks and crannies of the state. He enjoined Ndi Enugu, especially the youths, to remain law-abiding, vigilant and support the police by promptly reporting acts of crimes and criminalities during this season to the nearest police station or by calling the command’s hotlines on 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 or 08098880172, or [email protected].