*Says hoarding increasing hardship
By; ABUBAKAR RABILU, Gombe
The Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Gombe State Chapter, Comrade Garba Muhammad Ubale, has urged the federal government to take decisive action against traders hoarding foodstuff, calling it an unjust practice that contributes to rising prices.
In an interview with our reporter, Garba Muhammad Ubale highlighted the importance of peace and emphasized the crucial role the PCRC plays in community policing.
He pointed out that the PCRC has been instrumental in addressing protests against bad governance, especially in Gombe State, by engaging the community on the need for peace.
He credited their smooth operations to the strong cooperation with the police, describing the police as the backbone of PCRC’s efforts.
Garba Ubale also praised Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Usman, for his support, noting that the Commissioner is proud of the PCRC’s work in maintaining peace in the state.
He commended the Gombe State Government for its zero-tolerance approach to security, which has made the state one of the safest in the region.
However, Ubale expressed concerns over traders who hoard foodstuff by buying large quantities from village markets and storing them, causing prices to rise daily.
He also raised alarms about the scarcity of liquid cash, explaining that these traders withdraw vast amounts of money from banks and POS points, giving it to their agents to purchase grains, which further drives up food prices.
Ubale appealed to the government to take swift action to address these issues, warning that the hoarding of food and rising prices are among the main causes of public protests across the country.
