Tensions flared in Minna, the capital of Niger State, as residents took to the streets yesterday to protest against the relentless rise in the cost of living.
The demonstration, primarily led by a group of women, saw the blockade of the Minna-Bida Road at the bustling Kpakungu roundabout, highlighting the growing frustrations over escalating prices of essential food items.
Commuters bound for major southern cities such as Lagos and Ibadan found themselves stranded for hours as the protest commenced as early as 7 a.m. The initial gathering of women was soon bolstered by men and youths, all echoing grievances against perceived governmental indifference to their plight.
Despite attempts by law enforcement to disperse the crowd using tear gas and gunfire, and even the intervention of Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, the demonstrators remained steadfast, decrying the government’s seeming apathy and expressing their fatigue with the status quo.
The catalyst for the protest reflects a broader nationwide concern as detailed in the Friday, 2nd February edition of Daily Trust, which highlighted citizens’ distress over the soaring prices of staple commodities like rice, flour, sugar, and cement. Correspondents across several states including Kano, Kwara, Ebonyi, Oyo, and Lagos, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, uncovered the harsh realities faced by various segments of society.
Aisha Jibrin, a housewife who spearheaded the protest, lamented, “We took to the streets because the cost of living is becoming unbearable. The government has left us to fend for ourselves. Some of us woke up today with nothing to put on the table.” Others echoed her sentiments, citing broken homes, financial strain on breadwinners, and escalating health issues due to stress and anxiety.
The demonstration also underscored concerns over societal ills, with protesters attributing the rise in activities such as prostitution to economic hardship forcing many families into disarray.
Ibrahim Gana, one of the male participants, highlighted the exorbitant prices in local markets, citing examples of rice and maize, which have become increasingly unaffordable for many.
Support for the protesters’ grievances came from the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger State, Idrees Lafene, who emphasized the legitimacy of their anger, given the prevailing economic hardships. He urged the government to swiftly address the root causes of the crisis.
In response to the protest, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the arrest of several individuals, attributing the unrest to alleged attempts by certain elements to disrupt the flow of goods, rather than genuine grievances of the populace.
Meanwhile, residents of Jigawa and Taraba states echoed similar concerns, especially in anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan fast, as prices of essential commodities continued to surge, exacerbating the financial strain on households.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) added its voice to the chorus of demands, urging the federal government to provide direct assistance to students grappling with the economic fallout.
In Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf pledged to address the issue, indicating plans to engage with influential figures such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek relief measures for the populace.
The Labour Party (LP) issued a statement expressing alarm over the deteriorating living conditions and urged immediate action from the federal government to alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerians.
Amidst the turmoil, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered reassurance, promising that the prevailing difficulties would soon be overcome, urging unity and collective effort in navigating through the challenges ahead.
