By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Photo credit: Daily Post Nigeria.
Lokoja residents, kogi state capital, north central Nigeria,have begun stockpiling food in anticipation of a planned protest set to occur in less than four days, in response to Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions.
Our correspondent, who visited both the Old and International markets in Lokoja on Monday, observed a surge in bulk buying of various food items.
Many shoppers, interviewed by our correspondent, expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the protest’s impact.
“I don’t want to be caught off guard. “I fear the protest could disrupt market activities, leaving my family without essentials,” Mrs. Nafisat Aliyu told The Reporters in an interview at old market.
Mrs. Abigail Egbunu,who also came to the international market to purchase food items,shared similar concerns, noting that large-scale protests can be unpredictable.
She expressed concern that”While organizers might aim for a peaceful demonstration, there is always a risk of opportunistic violence and property damage.”
Mal. Sadik Mohammed, who accompanied his wife to purchase food; at international market, echoed these fears.
He said he decided to deplete his savings to prepare for potential disruptions,if any.
“I want to be prepared in case the protest turns out to be disruptive,” he explained.
All interviewees who spoke with our correspondent urged the protest organizers to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful and called on any potential agitators to avoid violence and looting in the interest of national stability.
The protest is reportedly driven by frustrations over ongoing economic difficulties, with organizers demanding significant changes
The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, and top government officials, politicians and other well meaning Nigerian s have been urging the protesters to shelve the idea with the promise to expect better days a soon, given the various economic policies of the government aimed to ease the harsh economic life of the people.
A reliable source at the headquarters of the Police Command in Kogi state, Lokoja, told The Reporters that the Commissioner of Police in the state,CP.Bernard Onuoha,is scheduled to meet critical stakeholders, including various unions on Monday,as a mitigating efforts regarding the planned protest.
Meanwhile, food prices remain high at the markets visited by our correspondent.
