…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Protesters Take to the Streets
Protesters in Benin, the capital of Edo State, disrupted traffic on Thursday, including the busy Benin-Lagos highway, to voice their opposition against the recent surge in the pump price of petrol.
Carrying placards with various messages, the demonstrators called for an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike, arguing that it is exacerbating the hardships faced by Nigerians in the current challenging socio-economic climate.
Outcry against the Pump Price Increase
The protesters, primarily members of the Edo State Civil Society Organisation (EDOCSO), expressed their discontent with the rising cost of fuel, causing a traffic gridlock and forcing commuters to travel by foot to reach their destinations.
The messages on their placards highlighted their grievances, such as the inability of Nigerians to afford petrol at the current price of N520 per liter, contrasting it with the previous price of N210.
They demanded that petrol prices be maintained at N210 until the end of July.
Protesters Seek Attention and Action
Omobude Agho, former coordinator general of EDOCSO, addressed the media regarding the protest, stating that its purpose was to capture the attention of President Bola Tinubu and prompt him to address the issue of fuel prices.
He further stated that if the government does not take action by Friday, the protest will expand to other locations.
Concerns Over Soaring Fuel Prices
The sudden increase in fuel prices, with marketers raising the price from N210 to over N500, including the state-owned NNPC Limited, has left the protesters shocked and outraged.
They view this price hike as a potential threat to the well-being of Nigerians, perceiving it as a deliberate attempt to burden citizens or push them towards dire circumstances.
Local Protests as a Strategy
The protesters referred to their demonstration as a “local protest,” focusing on specific areas such as Uselu shell, Ologbo, Siluko, and Agbor park.
By localizing their actions, they aim to intensify the impact of their protest and draw attention to their cause.
As the situation unfolds, the hope remains that the government will address the concerns of the protesters and take appropriate measures to alleviate the burden of rising fuel prices on the Nigerian populace.
