Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State, was engulfed in protests on Friday as groups of youths rallied against the escalating economic challenges and insecurity plaguing Nigeria.
The demonstrators traversed various parts of the state capital to voice their discontent with the prevailing economic conditions.
Brandishing placards bearing messages such as “Nigerians are suffering”, “Stop maltreating Nigerians”, and “We are human beings”, the protesters vocalized their grievances through anti-government chants.
Waheed Lawal, spokesperson for the protesters, expressed disappointment in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that while promises of renewed hope were made, citizens are grappling with intensified hardship.
Lawal emphasized the urgent need for a secure environment conducive to conducting business activities without fear, lamenting the government’s failure to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“They must do whatever they need to do to make sure that the people benefit from the reforms,” he said.
“They promised us renewed hope but what they are giving us now is renewed hardship. We reject renewed hardship in our lives.
“Nigerians deserve the best. We want a peaceful atmosphere. We don’t want insecurity in our land again.
“With the state of insecurity in the country, you can’t travel from Osogbo to Ibadan with your mind at rest, you will be thinking you may be kidnapped.”
On Monday some residents in Minna, Niger state capital, blocked major roads in the Kpakungu area to protest the economic hardship in the country.
The country has been experiencing instability and a rise in the prices of commodities since the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023
