Subsidy Protests: Ibadan Streets Empty

GBENRO ADESINA/IBADAN

Three days after the Federal Government removed fuel subsidy in Nigeria, the effect has been biting harder as economic and socio-political activities are almost paralysed in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State. Demonstration by youths entered the second day.
The usual traffic jams in major areas Akobo to Gate, Gate to Mokola, Mokola to Dugbe and Sango among others in Ibadan have not been recorded since yesterday as vehicles have vacated the roads.
In many parts of the city, few vehicles are plying the roads. Most of the police traffic officers that direct vehicles for free flow are idle as there are very scanty vehicles to control.
Commercial fares keeping going up as fuel price is fixed between N145 and N150. For instance, transport fare from Agbowo to Mokola which used to cost N30, has risen to N100 while the fare to Mokola from Dugbe that used to cost N20, is nowN100. Commercial drivers are charging N150 instead of N50 from Akobo to Gate.
Most markets visited in Bodija and Dugbe are deserted as most traders did not turn up for their daily business activities.
Also, at the government secretariat, some workers did not turn up for work as activities are very low. Prices of essential commodities have gone up including recharge cards as recharge cards sellers added N20 to the price of the cards.
Most of the neigbourhood traders also closed shops while people are forced to buy bread at higher prices due to scarcity. While a bag of pure water has increased to N130 from N80, a sachet costs N10. Also, the price of biscuits has gone up buy N10.
PM NEWS found out that people have started engaging in panic buying as they rushed to buy something they need.
A man who refused to disclose his name at Iso Pako Bodija disclosed that though he has not completed his building, he decided to buy the wood he needs now before the increase in fuel price jacks up the price. “I am only praying to God to give me money to be able to buy roofing sheets so that I will cover the house and now wait to see the glory of the Lord. This government wants to kill us. I appeal to Nigerians to ensure that they fight government to a standstill on this because we cannot survive this”.
However, youths have continued to demonstrate in the city as they vowed to resist the increase of the fuel price. Some youths were seen telling commercial drivers who are operating on the roads as to stop doing so and join the protest.