Residents of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, took to the streets on Monday to demonstrate against the sharp rise in food prices and the overall state of the economy.
Witnessed by newsmen, the protesters congregated in the Mokola area of the state, brandishing placards adorned with messages such as ‘End Food Price Hikes and Inflation,’ ‘The Underprivileged Are Suffering,’ and ‘Tinubu, Remember Your Commitments,’ among others.
Their discontent was vocalised through chants and songs expressing their grievances.
During the protest, an anonymous individual emphasized the widespread impact of the issue, stating, “The problem affects everyone. Every Nigerian should stand up for their rights and collectively combat this high cost of living. We’re struggling to afford three square meals.”
Citing Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and free speech, he asserted, “This protest is an ongoing effort, and expect demonstrations from various quarters. It’s not just about me; it’s about all Nigerians. We must unite to address this and restore normalcy.”
Another protester, identified as Barakat, echoed the sentiment, expressing, “The hunger in the land has become unbearable. We can’t even manage two square meals. We voted for Tinubu hoping he would rectify Buhari’s mistakes, but the situation has escalated beyond control.”
The protest site was also monitored by armed police personnel.
