Some residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Wednesday, blocked some major roads to protest naira and fuel scarcity in Nigeria.
Commercial activities were grounded in Eleyele due to the protest occasioned by commercial drivers’ refusal to accept old Naira notes and associated hardship from hike in the price of premium motor spirits(PMS), popularly called petrol.
The protesters barricaded major roads within the area disrupting traffic movement.
They made bonfires of disused tyres on both sides of the highway causing serious traffic gridlock.
Some of the protesters who spoke to newsmen said that the current cash crunch had created serious pains and agonising moments, describing the situation where bank customers could not access their money as unfortunate.
It was gathered that some banks in Eleyele and Apete areas were closed to customers and the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) were also not dispensing cash.
On going protest at Ajibode Ui road Ibadan this morning #ValentinesDay #protestibadan #WhatsApp #ibadan #Uniibadan @instablog9ja @Ibadan247 @SaharaReporters #pressuretiwa pic.twitter.com/0EFZZwws65
— GLASH OF AFRICA (@ogbolahan) February 15, 2023
It is not the first time that Ibadan residents will be protesting over the Naira crisis.
Earlier this month, angry protesters took to the streets of Ibadan in an expression of frustration over the scarcity of naira notes and petrol.
The protest spread to major areas in the ancient city, including Agodi-Secretariat, Iwo road, Idi Ape and Bodija.
The protests had started on a small scale with no threat to businesses and other residents. However, it took a new dimension when the youth and traders started burning tyres and barricading roads.
The office of the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and some commercial banks were also attacked.
