By Omowumi Omotosho
Transporters in Ilorin on Thursday took to the streets of the Kwara state capital city, in protest against the sudden hike in petrol pump prices, which was announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Tuesday and has also led independent petrol marketers to sell at different prices between #950/ litre to #1200/ litre in the state.
The strike, which commenced on Thursday morning, has significantly disrupted the movement of commercial vehicles across the city.
The protest was spearheaded by operators of tricycles (Keke) and commercial motorcycle riders (Okada), who blocked major roads, including Taiwo Isale, Coca-Cola Junction, Maraba, Gambari Road and Offa Garage, bringing traffic to a standstill. Commuters in the city faced severe delays as the protesters restricted the flow of vehicles, demanding immediate action to address the situation.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, a commercial tricycle operative who joined his colleagues to protest at Maraba, revealed that they are protesting because of the sudden hike in fuel pump price.
” The sudden increment of petrol is unfair. We barely make profit at the end of each day after spending our earnings on fuel. In fact, when we were charging 50 Naira per drop, it was more profitable than now. The hardship is too much, the government should help us, ” Ibrahim said to the Nationalpilot
At Maraba and Murtala Junction, focal points of the protest, the aggrieved transporters were seen parading in their Keke, chanting “Osu wa oo,” a Yoruba phrase expressing their frustration and dissatisfaction. The protesters argue that the hike in petrol prices has significantly increased their operational costs, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.
While talking to nationalpilot reporter about the protest at Taiwo Isale in Ilorin, Abdulfatai Mohammed, a commercial bike operator said: ” The hardship is too much, men and women are finding difficult to provide for their children adequately. We want to fuel pump price to be reduced, we are spending too much of our money on fuel”
In response to the growing unrest, security operatives, including the Nigerian Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed to key areas to ease the tension and manage the situation. Their presence helped to prevent any escalation of violence and ensured that the protest remained largely peaceful despite the significant disruptions to daily activities.
The strike has caused widespread disruption in Ilorin, as many residents who rely on public transportation were left stranded. The transporters are calling on the government to intervene and reduce the petrol prices to a more manageable level.
However, at the time of filling this report, authorities in Kwara State are yet to issue an official statement on the situation.
