Cattle and Foodstuff dealers under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) on Thursday February 25, began a nationwide strike following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum given to the federal government to attend to their demands.

The union had demanded payment of N475 billion compensation for lives of members and properties lost during the #EndSARS protest and Shasa market chaos, and dismantling of all road blocks on federal highways due to problems its members get subjected to when carrying out their duties.

Grand Matron of AUFCDN, Hajia Hauwa Kabir Usman who announced commencement of the strike asked the police not to disturb task force of the union who will carry out enforcement of the strike by ensuring that no food and cattle were moved from North to the South.

Usman said; 

“The leadership of the union has already made a strong plan to ensure that all our exits (our borders) between the Northern and Southern part are closed.

“Every truck that will go out has to be checked. If you carry any food or cattle, you cannot take it out except you take it back or be destroyed there. None of the security agents should dare intimate our task force members because if they do, we will fight it legally.”

Usman who recalled how they gave a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government, vowed that the union would not compromise on its demands.