In a demonstration of discontent, residents of Kano took to the streets on Thursday evening to protest the exorbitant prices of food items and essential commodities.
The protesters, congregating around Kurna, Rigiyar Lemu, and Bachirawa areas along the bustling Katsina Road, voiced their distress over the worsening economic conditions.
Representing the demonstrators, Usman Bello, a resident of Rijiyan Lemo, emphasized the severe hardships inflicted upon the populace by the harsh economic realities.
“We, the masses, cast our votes for President Bola Tinubu. It is imperative for him to heed our grievances and address the dire economic situation we endure,” remarked Bello.
Expressing their discontent predominantly in Hausa, the protesters articulated their grievances, underscoring the urgency of their plight.
“We are compelled to protest despite the harsh harmattan conditions, as we have been pushed to the brink,” shared Bello.
“People can scarcely afford even a single meal, with the cost of essentials skyrocketing. A bag of rice, once priced at N25,000, now commands N70,000, while sugar, previously N8,000, has surged to N75,000,” he lamented.
Calling for government intervention, Bello affirmed their belief that President Tinubu would heed their call, given his reputation as a responsive leader.
Similarly, in Niger State, the streets of Minna witnessed a similar outcry as youths and women voiced their grievances over the pervasive hardship and soaring cost of living under the current administration.
Protesting at the Minna-Bida Road, demonstrators blocked traffic at the Kpakungu Roundabout, decrying the plight endured under the Bola Tinubu government.
Despite attempts by law enforcement to disperse the crowds using teargas, the protesters remained resolute in their demands for relief from the economic turmoil.
Responding to the protests, the Niger State Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, affirmed the police’s use of minimal force to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic.
“The road was opened, and there is a free flow of traffic now,” stated Abiodun, reflecting the authorities’ efforts to address the unrest while maintaining public order.
