On Monday, a protest erupted in Oyo State, located in South-West Nigeria, as residents expressed their frustration over the escalating cost of living, soaring food prices, and the prevailing economic difficulties. The demonstration took place in the Mokola area of Ibadan, the state’s capital, where a large group of young individuals, armed with placards and vocalizing their discontent through songs, gathered to make their grievances known.
The placards displayed messages such as ‘End food hike and inflation’, ‘The poor is starving’, and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises’, highlighting the protestors’ demands for relief from the economic strain. Despite the peaceful nature of the rally, which aimed to draw attention to the hardships brought about by policies like the removal of petrol subsidy and the consolidation of foreign exchange rates, a significant police presence was observed at the location.
Authorities had previously issued a statement on Sunday, cautioning that any disruption of peace during the protests would not be tolerated. This demonstration in Oyo is part of a series of protests occurring in various parts of the country, including Kano and Minna, where citizens are voicing their concerns over the removal of petrol subsidies, the rising cost of food, and the general increase in living expenses.