By Safiyah Suleiman and Hope Emiator
A group of some Keke riders in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, staged a protest this morning over the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
The protest took place near Government Day Secondary School (GSS) along Jebba road Ilorin.
The protesters voiced their dissatisfaction with the rise in petrol prices, which they said had surged to ₦1,250 per liter as at this morning, making life increasingly difficult for them.
One of the protesters, Habibullahi Isiaka, told Sobi FM reporters, that the increase in fuel prices had made it challenging for them to meet basic needs.
According to him, after purchasing fuel at the inflated price, the little profit they make from their work is barely enough to sustain their families.
The protest caused significant disruption in the area, as several roads were blocked, leaving many commuters stranded.
Passengers also shared their grievances, noting that the hike in transportation costs has triggered a ripple effect on the prices of food and other essential commodities, further exacerbating the economic situation.
They urged the Government to take immediate action to address the hardship caused by the rising fuel prices.
Security operatives, including the police, were later deployed to the scene to restore order and disperse the protesters with tear gas.
As of the time of this report, no official statement had been released by the state or federal government regarding the protest.
