The festive rush has taken over Port Harcourt, and Oil Mill Market—as always—is at the center of the season’s hustle. But while buyers are stretching their budgets to stock up for Christmas and the New Year, a troubling surge in petty theft by wheelbarrow pushers is casting a shadow over the experience.
In recent weeks, many shoppers have lamented that some wheelbarrow pushers they trusted to assist them with transporting goods ended up disappearing with everything they bought.
The most recent case happened last Friday, when a woman broke down in tears after the barrow pusher she hired took off with all her items. Her wailing drew sympathy from fellow buyers, but it also served as yet another reminder of how widespread the issue has become.
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What makes the situation even more heartbreaking is that these victims are ordinary people spending their hard-earned money, often buying in bulk for their families or end-of-year celebrations. Instead of receiving the help they paid for, they end up stranded, frustrated and financially hurt.
With the season getting busier and crowds multiplying, it’s important for shoppers to stay alert. Here are safety measures to reduce the risk of falling victim:
- Go in pairs or groups – Having someone accompany you makes it harder for a dishonest barrow pusher to slip away unnoticed.
- Stay close and focused on the barrow pusher – Do not let them walk far ahead of you, no matter how fast they try to push through the crowd.
- Avoid giving them all your goods at once – If possible, split heavy loads or carry lighter bags yourself to reduce the loss if anything happens.
- Negotiate clearly before moving – Agree on the price, destination point, and route, and ensure you are walking together.
- Avoid distractions – Keep your phone and wallet safe, and maintain awareness of your surroundings.
As the yuletide crowds continue to build, shoppers must prioritize safety just as much as affordability. A few extra minutes of caution could save a season’s worth of groceries—and spare someone the heartbreak of watching their Christmas shopping vanish in seconds.
