By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Residents of Benue State have decried the harsh economic realities triggered by the ongoing Iran–United States conflict, saying its ripple effects are severely impacting livelihoods and driving up the cost of living across the state.
Findings by our correspondent reveal that household expenses have nearly doubled, with citizens struggling to cope amid rising prices of fuel, food, transportation, and other basic necessities.
A trader at Wadata Market in Makurdi, Mrs. Gloria Asen, attributed the surge in prices to increased transportation costs linked to the global crisis.
“I know that the price of fuel has increased, and they say it is because of this war,” she said. “I go to bush markets to buy goods, and transport fares have doubled. That means I have to increase the prices of what I sell. A tuber of yam I used to sell for ₦500 now goes for ₦700 just to cover costs. Even at that, customers can hardly afford it.”
Similarly, a commercial motorcyclist, James Agada, lamented that the sharp increase in fuel prices—now ranging between ₦1,400 and ₦1,500 per litre—has drastically reduced patronage.
“This has really affected my business. People now prefer to trek because they can’t afford the new fares. A trip that used to cost ₦500 now goes for ₦700,” he said.
A civil society activist, Amos Atorugh, linked the economic strain to disruptions in global oil supply, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route.
According to him, the development has pushed up global oil prices, with far-reaching consequences on Nigeria’s economy and the socio-economic wellbeing of Benue residents.
“Everything has increased—transportation, food prices, electricity bills, even house rent. There is immense pressure on households,” he said.
Also speaking, a journalist, Scholastica Hir, expressed concern over alleged sharp practices by some fuel station operators, accusing them of under-dispensing fuel to consumers.
“Fuel that was previously sold for ₦800 is now ₦1,400. For those of us who own vehicles, it’s becoming unbearable.
Sometimes, the fuel you buy doesn’t even last to your destination,” she said.
She added that the combined effect of rising costs across all sectors is taking a heavy toll on ordinary citizens.
“There is a high cost of living as every segment of the economy is affected—transportation, food, housing, and general household expenses. The ordinary masses are bearing the brunt of this crisis,” she said.
