Residents of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, protested the economic hardship pervading the country.

The protesters assembled and took off from Mokola axis on Monday morning.

They wielded placards with inscriptions like: “End food hike and inflation”, “insecurity not our birthright”, “Mr President, this is not the hope, this is shege”.

Videos making the rounds on social media showed a truck conveying some of the leaders of the protest.

The Oyo state police command had warned that it would not tolerate a breakdown of law and order during protests.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public particularly residents of Oyo State that it has emplaced prompt and adequate measures to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order in the State as a result of plans by faceless agents of mischief to spark up chaos via protests in the State commencing tomorrow, Monday 19/2/2024 within the Capital,” Adewale Osifeso, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday.

“While the Command respects the right of citizens to a peaceful procession, it is sacrosanct to guide against any violation of public order as Law enforcement must be carried along to chart the course of the procession in a conscious bid to protect the lives and property.”

Residents of Kano, Ogun, Niger, and Sokoto states have also staged protests over the economic crisis in Nigeria.

Organised labour has also announced a nationwide protest for February 27 and 28 over the rising cost of living.

Food prices have been soaring since President Bola Tinubu pronounced an end to the petrol subsidy regime on May 29, 2023.

The Cable