Angry Youths Storm Ibadan Streets, Demand Action on Food Crisis and Insecurity
Hundreds of youths in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, took to the streets on Monday to express their frustration over the high cost of living and the worsening security situation in the country. The protesters, who gathered at the Mokola roundabout, carried placards with various inscriptions such as “End food hike and inflation”, “The poor are starving”, and “Tinubu, don’t forget your promises”, among others. They also sang songs of solidarity and defiance, calling on the government to address the economic hardship and insecurity plaguing the nation.
The protest in Ibadan followed similar ones in Kano, Minna, and other cities, where Nigerians have been groaning under the effects of food inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and foreign exchange crisis. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the food inflation rate rose to 21.79% in January 2024, the highest since 2009. The prices of staple foods such as rice, beans, yam, garri, and palm oil have skyrocketed in the past few months, making them unaffordable for many Nigerians.
The protesters also decried the spate of kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people across the country. They accused the government of failing to protect the lives and property of citizens, and demanded urgent action to restore peace and security. They also called on the President, Bola Tinubu, to fulfill his campaign promises of providing jobs, infrastructure, and social welfare for the masses.
The police were present at the protest scene, but did not interfere with the peaceful demonstration. The protesters dispersed after about two hours, vowing to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
