Amidst soaring food inflation and economic challenges, residents of Oyo State, located in the South-West region of Nigeria, took to the streets on Monday in protest.
This demonstration follows similar protests in Kano and Minna, reflecting widespread discontent over the removal of petrol subsidies and the resultant increase in living costs.
The protest, staged in the Mokola area of Ibadan, the state capital, saw youths brandishing various placards and chanting songs to express their grievances. The demonstrators’ placards bore messages such as ‘End food hike and inflation’, ‘The poor are starving’, and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises’, underscoring the frustration and desperation felt by many.
Despite the peaceful nature of the rally, armed police officers were present at the protest venue, as reported by Channels Television. However, this did not deter the demonstrators from voicing their concerns.
The protest in Oyo State is a manifestation of the growing frustration among Nigerians grappling with the harsh economic realities exacerbated by rising food prices and dwindling purchasing power. As citizens continue to bear the brunt of these economic challenges, calls for urgent government intervention to alleviate the hardship are gaining momentum.