By Ola Ajayi with agency report

IBADAN — Transporters in Ibadan, yesterday, hiked up transportation fares as travellers throng motor parks and train station for transportation to various destinations for today’s Eid-el Kabir celebration.

According to reports, the city also experienced traffic congestion with travellers moving around with their luggage to motor parks and train station.

Transportation fare increased by about 30 per cent, depending on the destination while limited services were being rendered by transporters.

A trip from Ibadan to Lagos that used to cost between N800 and N850 is now between N1, 300 and N1, 500 depending on the type of vehicle.

Also, Ibadan to Ilorin that was normally N850 is now N1, 100, while the fare for Ibadan – Ogbomoso which used to be N700 is now N800.

A commuter, Mr. Lukeman Nureni, aboard an Ilorin-bound bus, said the increase was normal as it was expected because of the Sallah celebration.

A driver at Lagos Park, who pleaded anonymity, said the fares could increase further before the end of the day as more passengers were expected.

Also, the train station was filled with passengers jostling to purchase tickets for their journeys to various destinations.

Mr Sefiu Ajibade, who is visiting his hometown, Ilorin, with members of his family, said he wanted to travel by train since the fare was reasonable and cheaper.

“I decided to go by train for many reasons: first, because it is cheaper and the other reason is that I want my children to experience train services.”

Mr. Francis Unyimadu, Public Relations Officer, Railway Western District, told NAN that the corporation increased its services because of the celebration.

“Actually, the Lagos to Kano route, which used to ply between Wednesday and Friday, now operates on Sundays too due to the increase in passengers.”

Unyimadu said large number of passengers could also be attributed to the free train services provided by the Osun government to enable his people travel for Sallah.

“There is a free train service from Lagos to Oshogbo, courtesy of the Osun government.
“The Osun government has subsidised Ibadan-Osogbo fare and train commuters need not pay, ” Unyimadu said.

….Ajimobi, Alaafin, Adedoja urge peace at Eid-el-Kabir

Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja have admonished Nigerians, especially Muslims to imbibe the spirit of love, togetherness and peaceful co-existence as they mark Eid-el Kkabir.

Ajimobi said with an atmosphere of peace that Nigeria could achieve the desired greatness.

Oba Adeyemi urged them to embrace the culture of love, tolerance and live peacefully among themselves.
Prof. Adedoja charged all Muslims to abide by the spiritual lessons of the period.