Youths Protest High Cost of Living in Niger State, Block Kaduna-Abuja Highway; Government Denies Reports
Despite calls to avoid the planned August 1 to 10 nationwide protest, youths in Suleja, Niger State have taken to the streets to demonstrate against the high cost of living.
Carrying placards with messages such as ‘Enough is Enough,’ ‘Stop Anti-Masses Policies,’ ‘We Are Not Slaves In Our Country,’ ‘Hardship Is Unbearable,’ and ‘Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back,’ the protesters blocked the Abuja-Kaduna Motorway at the Suleja axis, chanting anti-government slogans.
A security official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident and stated that officers, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Police, were deployed to the scene. As of the time of this report, normalcy has returned and vehicular movement has resumed.
Superintendent Wasi’u Abiodun, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed that a group of boys attempted to block the road in Suleja, but the Area Commander quickly dispersed them peacefully. An “Operation Show of Force,” led by the Area Commander, is ongoing to ensure security.
The Police spokesman assured the public to continue their lawful activities without fear, as the Police and other security agencies are handling the situation.
In contrast, a statement issued by Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser on Print Media to the Governor, dismissed the reports of protests as false and urged residents to continue their daily activities without fear.
Governor Umar Bago had earlier, on July 19, announced that the state would not participate in the protest and released 50 thousand metric tonnes of assorted grains to be sold at a 50 percent subsidized rate to reduce current market prices.
