In Minna, the capital of Niger State, police took action to disperse a protest against the rising cost of living, particularly the escalating prices of food items.
The demonstration commenced early on Monday morning along the Minna-Bida Road at the Kpakungu roundabout. The protest, initially led by women, gained momentum as men joined in, effectively halting vehicular movement along the road.
As the crowd swelled, attempts by the police to manage the situation intensified, with protesters insisting on the withdrawal of law enforcement from the area. In response to the growing tension, the police discharged firearms into the air in an effort to disperse the crowds.
Ibrahim Gana, a participant in the protest, expressed concerns about the exorbitant prices of basic food staples in Minna markets. According to Gana, the cost of rice has soared to N2,000 per mudu, while maize is priced at N1,000 per measure.
He said, “The Federal Government needs to take action to reduce the hardship being faced by the poor Nigerians. Things are becoming unbearable.”
These steep increases in food prices have placed significant financial strain on residents, mirroring a broader trend of rising food costs nationwide.
In Kano’s Singer Market, for instance, the price of a 50kg bag of sugar has surged from N62,000 to N73,000 since early January, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by citizens across the country.
Gana emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly the economically vulnerable segments of society.
