PROTEST: C'Riverians Shun Protest, Desert Streets; Fares Skyrocket

By Ndifereke BASSEY

Residents of Calabar Metropolis today shunned the hunger protest as the streets were deserted and children seen playing football.

THE BEAGLE NEWS team that went round major streets of Calabar found out that most shops, markets and banks were shut in Calabar, the capital city of Calabar for fear of being attacked by hoodlums.

The team discovered that traders largely shut their premises in major business Centres like the Etim Edem Park, Bedwell, Ete Agbor, Marian Road, IBB Way and Calabar Road.

Areas such as 8-Miles, Highway, Ikot Ansa, Ikot Ishie and Parliamentary witnessed relative calm as some residents were seen sitting in front of their houses monitoring situations.

Besides, government offices like the state Ministry of Information remained under lock and key as civil and public servants stated away. 

But as at 4:00pm residents have started opening their shops and attending to customers while a few drinking spots have opened up for business.

In another development, transport fares around the metropolis have skyrocketed by at least 50 to 100 percent with drivers claiming they bought fuel from black market as no filling station opened today.