Some youths have taken to the streets in Suleja, Niger state to voice their frustration over the escalating cost of living crisis in Nigeria.
The protesters, armed with placards bearing messages such as “Enough is Enough,” “Stop Anti-Masses Policies,” “We Are Not Slaves In Our Country,” and “Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back,” marched through the city while chanting anti-government songs.
The protest occurred on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway axis of Suleja. When approached by Daily Trust, many of the protesters declined to comment, remaining focused on their demonstration.
Despite efforts by federal and state governments to quell the unrest, including warnings that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums or enemies of democracy, the demonstration seems to have commenced in the north-central state.
Governor Mohammed Bago had previously attempted to prevent the protest in the state by offering welfare packages. These included a N20,000 wage allowance for state and local government employees and the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains to be sold at subsidized rates.
The governor also promised to slash food prices by up to 90% by the end of the year and awarded Prado Jeeps to heads of security agencies in recognition of their efforts in combating crime.
Although organizers had initially set August 1 as the start date for the nationwide protest, some groups have moved the date forward, indicating it could begin in July.
