Protest breaks out in Edo over rise in petrol prices

Edo State, Nigeria – Citizens, united under the aegis of “Edo Civil Society Organisations,” took to the streets in Benin City to voice their frustration over the continuous rise in petrol prices. The protesters expressed their displeasure at the recent hike in fuel costs, which have burdened the populace, already grappling with economic challenges.

Despite the disparity in petrol prices across the nation after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) announced an increase in the pump price to N537 per litre on May 31, a further increment in July brought the cost up to an alarming N617 per litre.

In what appears to be the first such protest in the country against the recent fuel price hikes, aggrieved citizens in Edo State gathered with placards bearing powerful messages. One of the protesters, Twitter user Ijeoma Osamor, shared videos and pictures of the demonstration, highlighting the public’s frustration.

The protesters demanded that the government take immediate action to address the skyrocketing fuel prices. Some of the placards had inscriptions such as “Reduce cost in governance, not increasing fuel price,” “We say No to constant increment in PMS,” and “FG fix our refineries.” These messages reflect the citizens’ call for accountability and solutions to the prevailing economic challenges.

The increase in petrol prices has impacted the daily lives of many Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable and low-income populations. The protesters urged the government to prioritize measures that will alleviate the burden on the citizens, rather than adding to their financial woes.