Roadblocks, bonfires as Ibadan residents protest petrol, naira notes scarcity

Residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, have taken to the streets to protest the lingering petrol and naira notes scarcity in the country.

Recall that in October 2022, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Godwin Emefiele, announced the plan to redesign the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes, and asked Nigerians to deposit their old notes before January 31, 2023 when they would cease to be legal tender.

Although the deadline has been shifted to February 10, many Nigerians have found it difficult to obtain the new naira notes.

Amid the currency crisis, there has been a steady increase in the price of premium motor spirit which has caused long queues at filling stations across the nation.

Speaking to TheCable about the situation in Ibadan, Ahmed Hamzat, a resident of the city, said the protesters started a bonfire near the Oyo government house before they were dispersed by police officers.

He said the activities of the protesters resulted in traffic congestion in the capital city.

“The protest started at the Agodi gate, at the intersection that leads to the state secretariat and the government house. The protesters started a fire near the secretariat and around the spare parts market but they were quickly dispersed by security personnel (Operation Burst) from the secretariat.

“But the protesters didn’t leave the market. They continued bonfires and this situation has now caused vehicular obstruction around those areas, even leading to Iwo road, the protest is hot. The people are tired of the long queues at banks and at petrol stations,” he said.

Another witness, who identified himself as Pelumi, said “there is trouble” in Ibadan, as “protesters have started burning tyres in different areas of the state.”