Youths in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, took to the streets on Monday to protest the soaring prices of food and the state of the economy. Holding placards with messages such as ‘End food hike and inflation,’ ‘The poor are starving,’ and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises,’ the protesters gathered around the Mokola area chanting songs to express their grievances. The presence of armed policemen was noted at the protest scene.
A protester, speaking anonymously, emphasized that the economic challenges affect everyone and called for collective action to fight against the high cost of living. He highlighted constitutional provisions supporting peaceful assembly and free expression of concerns, asserting that the protest is a continuous effort to address the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
Another protester named Barakat expressed the unbearable hunger in the country, lamenting the escalating cost of living. She mentioned voting for Tinubu with the hope of correcting the perceived wrongs of the Buhari administration but voiced disappointment at the worsening situation.
In Niger State, similar protests erupted, with a group of women blocking the Minna-Bida Road at the Kpakungu Roundabout to express their grievances about the perceived hardships under the Tinubu government. The protest expanded as men and youths joined, barricading the road and causing vehicular traffic disruptions.
The protests are a response to the challenging economic conditions exacerbated by the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Tinubu on May 29, 2023. The increasing cost of living has sparked discontent and prompted citizens to voice their concerns through demonstrations across different states in Nigeria.
