More than 100 Ghanaian trucks transporting vegetables have been reportedly blocked and detained by armed men in Samia, a town in Kebbi State, raising concerns over cross-border trade tensions.
The trucks, carrying mainly onions, were en route from Niger through Nigeria to Ghana when they were intercepted.
Reports suggest the incident is linked to a dispute between traders in both countries. Some Nigerian onion traders in Accra allegedly had their goods blocked from being offloaded by certain Ghanaian traders, prompting what is believed to be a retaliatory action.
The stranded drivers, who have reportedly been held for nearly three days, say their perishable goods are at risk of spoiling, potentially leading to significant financial losses.
The transport route typically passes through Benin and Togo before reaching Ghana.
Speaking to journalist Ibrahim Abode, one of the affected drivers, Awudu Tiajni, appealed for urgent government intervention.
“We’ve been locked here for almost three days. Our goods are perishing. We are appealing to the government for help,” he said.
The drivers are calling on Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to step in and engage relevant authorities to resolve the situation and ensure their safe passage.
