Tension is mounting in Ughelli, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State as youths clash with the Sand and Dredgers Union, led by one Andrew Odibo, over the hike in sand prices and monopoly allegedly endorsed by the monarch of Ughelli.
The union recently increased the price of a trip of sand from ₦45, 000 to ₦80, 000, a nearly 90 percent rise.
Builders and residents have decried this move as exploitative, lamenting the significant financial strain it imposes on the people especially potential builders.
Read Also: suspended edo lg chairmen, councilors abandon pdp
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYN), Ughelli chapter, through its Chairman, Efekemorae Emmanuel, has demanded an immediate reversal of the price increase.
The council criticized the union’s restrictive practices and called for the dissolution of its monopolistic structure to allow free trade of sand.
The youths, expressed outrage at the union’s restrictive policies, criticizing their rotational sales system, which mandates that sand can only be purchased from designated members on specific days.
Additionally, attempts to source sand from outside Ughelli are penalized, with tippers seized under the alleged backing of the traditional ruler of Ughelli.
The youths have therefore issued a warning to the union to revert the price back to N45, 000, threatening that if the union does not revert to the old price and dissolve its restrictive policies, they will take matters into their own hands, sourcing sand from outside Ughelli despite potential confrontations.
Similarly, Ese Agbobore, a lawmaker and youth leader, condemned the union’s actions and called for its suspension.
He emphasized the need for a transparent and balanced pricing structure that prioritizes the community’s interests over monopolistic gains.
Agbobore, called for the suspension of the tipper union’s operations, advocating for greater freedom and flexibility for both dredger and tipper owners to operate independently.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that by suspending the union’s operations, a sense of fairness and balance can be restored to the market, ensuring that the needs of the people are met without undue financial burden.
However, the intervention of Jaro Egbo, the council chairman has further inflamed frayed nerves.
Egbo attempted to mediate the dispute, but his approach was poorly received by the youths, who accused him of failing to adequately address their grievances.
Many of the youths perceived his intervention as siding with the union rather than advocating for the people’s welfare.
A project owner in the Otovwodo area of Ughelli, Mose Igho said that “this isn’t just about the price hike. It’s about the union’s monopoly and their refusal to allow free trade. The king’s involvement has emboldened them to exploit the community without consequences.”
