By Joy Yesufu
Hundreds of customers have been left counting their losses after a food company in Osogbo, Osun State, allegedly shut down abruptly after collecting advance payments for rice, cooking oil and other food items.
The company, located in the Odi-Olowo area of the state capital, reportedly attracted customers by offering food items at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates.
Many residents are said to have paid money upfront for food packages and other benefits advertised by the company.
However, the arrangement reportedly collapsed on Monday when customers arrived at the company’s premises only to find the warehouse locked.
Efforts by the affected customers to reach the company’s operators were reportedly unsuccessful, triggering anger and demands for refunds.
Some customers alleged that the company had collected millions of naira from residents before the sudden closure.
The development attracted scores of angry customers to the premises, where they called for the immediate return of their money and demanded an explanation from the company’s management.
Security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the area to maintain order as the affected customers expressed frustration over the development.
The customers also called on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the company’s closure and assist in recovering their funds.
As of the time of filing this report, the company’s operators had reportedly not issued any public explanation for the shutdown, while the affected customers remained uncertain about the fate of their payments.
The circumstances surrounding the company’s operations and the amount allegedly collected from customers could not be independently verified as of press time.
