CITIZENS COMPASS —Amidst tight security, protesters on Monday, February 19, 2024, stormed Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, against rising cost of living in the country.
A series of video clips posted online captured the protesters with various placards chanting solidarity songs.
The protests took off in the morning as the protesters gathered in the Mokola area of Ibadan.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: “No more Emilokan,’ ‘End bad governance,’ ‘End food hike now,’ Mr President, this is not the hope,’ ‘Insecurity is not our birthright,’ ‘Open border,’ and ‘End hardship,’ among others.
Recall that recently, similar protests against the high cost of living and food have also been held in Niger, Plateau, Kano, Sokoto, and Osun States, among other places.
Organised labour has also announced a nationwide protest for February 27 and 28 over the rising cost of living.
Food prices have been soaring since President Bola Tinubu pronounced an end to the petrol subsidy regime on May 29, 2023.
Responding to the protests, the Oyo State Police Command in a statement said it would not tolerate breaking down of law and order in the State.
The Command spoke through its spokesman, Adewale Osifeso.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public particularly residents of Oyo State that it has emplaced prompt and adequate measures to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order in the State as a result of plans by faceless agents of mischief to spark up chaos via protests in the State commencing tomorrow, Monday 19/2/2024 within the Capital,”
“While the Command respects the right of citizens to a peaceful procession, it is sacrosanct to guide against any violation of public order as Law enforcement must be carried along to chart the course of the procession in a conscious bid to protect the lives and property.”
