Protests rock Ibadan over economic hardships in Nigeria

There were protests on the streets of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, over high cost of living, food inflation and the current economic hardship in the country.

The protesters in their hundreds defied police warning and staged peaceful demonstration across different parts of Ibadan, including UI, Mokola, Iwo Road, and Sango.

Earlier report stated that the Oyo State Police Command had warned against any protests without prior notice to the police, saying unscrupulous elements could hijack the protests for criminal purposes.

The police had insisted that they would not allow any form of violation of public order that could lead to breach of public peace.

However, the protesters defied the police, storming major areas in Ibadan metropolis Monday, calling on President Bola Tinubu to immediately intervene over issues of insecurity and economic hardship, and hunger facing Nigerians.

The protesters, mainly youths, said they are fed up with the current state of affairs in Nigeria and are demanding for immediate end to these crisis from the government.

Some of their placards bore messages such as “Tinubu Must Address Insecurity” and “Hunger is Killing Us”.

The protesters also expressed concerns about the high cost of living, which they say is making it difficult for people to afford basic necessities of life.

The protests came at a time when Nigeria is facing several security challenges, including kidnappings, banditry, and attacks by terrorist groups.

The protesters hoped that their demonstration will draw the attention of Tinubu and the government to these pressing issues. They are also calling on the government to do more to alleviate the suffering of the people and to improve the country’s economy.

The protest has been peaceful so far, but there are fears that it could turn violent if the government does not respond to the demands as security personnel are stationed at strategic locations.