Operators of commercial vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles, on Thursday, staged a protest against the recent increase in fuel prices in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
The incident caused significant disruptions to commercial activities across the state.
According to The PUNCH, the demonstrators obstructed major roads, including Abdulazeez Attah, Geri Alimi Oja Oba, Taiwo/Post Office, and Post Office/Maraba/Zango routes, causing severe disruptions to traffic and commercial operations.
While some commercial vehicles were in operation early in the day, many were forced to cease their services by noon, leaving numerous commuters stranded at bus stations in search of transport.
“We are buying fuel at N1,200 per litre. We cannot get money to feed our family after fueling our vehicle with N1,200 per litre. President Tinubu should reverse the fuel price to N200 where he met it if he still wants Nigeria to exist,” said some of the protesters as they marched through the streets.
In response, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has ordered the immediate deployment of buses across the city to assist commuters.
According to the statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, “The buses are to take people to the most central destinations free of charge. We hope that persons attending the SUBEB job placement interviews would find this helpful, particularly in the metropolis.”
The statement also included a plea from the governor to transporters and the public to be patient regarding the fuel price increase.
“The inconveniences are regretted, and we are confident that things will ease as soon as possible,” it added, noting that government stakeholders are working to address the situation with public welfare as a priority.
