.. As hundreds protest against hardship
Protesters in their hundreds on Monday, defied police warning and staged peaceful demonstration across different parts of the city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Prior to the protest, the Oyo state police command had warned against any protests without prior notice to the police before such action was embarked upon .
The police command had in a statement warned that unscrupulous elements could hijack it for criminal purposes adding that the security agency would not allow any form of violation of public order that could lead to breach of public peace.
Defying the police warning, the protesters, who stormed some major areas within Ibadan metropolis on Monday morning are calling on President Bola Tinubu, to immediately address the raging issues of insecurity and economic hardship, and hunger among others faced by Nigerians.
Parts of Ibadan stormed by the protesters include Mokola, Iwo Road, and Sango.
The protesters, who are mostly youths, said they are fed up with the current state of affairs in Nigeria and are demanding for immediate end to the crisis from the government.
They held placards bearing different messages such as “Tinubu Must Address Insecurity” and “Hunger is Killing Us.”
The protesters also expressed concerns over high cost of living, which they said is making it difficult for people to afford basic necessities of life.
The protest came at a time when Nigeria is facing several security challenges, including kidnappings, banditry, and attacks by terrorist groups.
They said, food prices have also skyrocketed, making it difficult for many Nigerians to feed their families.
The protesters hope 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.
Though, the mass movement had been peaceful so far, there were fears that it could turn violent if the government does not respond to the demands as security personnel are stationed at strategic locations.
As at the time of filing this report, the protesters were seen heading towards Sango, UI, and parts of Agbowo areas of Ibadan in hundreds , while hoping to terminate the procession at Secretariat end Agodi , Ibadan.
