Mass Protest Continues In Ilorin

Protest over the removal of fuel subsidy continued Wednesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, as hoodlums hijacked it, setting bonfires across major streets and throwing broken bottles and stones at security operatives.

The protesters also sang anti-government songs to register their displeasure over the removal of the subsidy.

Business and commercial activities across Ilorin were paralysed as there was no vehicular movement while owners of shops and commercial banks hurriedly closed to avoid being attacked by the protesters, who the police tried to disperse by shooting in the air.

In the wake of the protest which turned violent, property worth millions of naira such as computer sets, photocopy machines, a generator set, ladders, transformer equipment and other valuable items belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria , PHCN, Muritala Mohammed Service Unit, was destroyed.

While no casualty was recorded, unlike yesterday when a protester was killed, it was learnt that a policeman was hit by a stone from one of the protesters and was treated at an undisclosed hospital.

Briefing the press on the protest, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Peter Yisa Gana, regretted that the protesters allowed the exercise to be hijacked by hoodlums who he alleged were destroying everything on their way, warning that the police would not fold its arms while unscrupulous elements would be unleashing terror on innocent citizens.

Gana said: “The police are doing everything within their power to restore law and order as well as ensure that the anarchy in the state is curbed. Police are very careful in dealing with the on-going situation in the state so as not to record any casualty because it is our duty and responsibility to protect lives and property in the state.”

As part of the proactive measures put in place by the police, Gana said that he had met with all stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, road transport union leaders and students to ensure that law and order is restored.

He further disclosed that eight people were arrested in connection with the protest.

In a statement signed by its President, Abdul Karim Olola Kasum, the Afonja Descendants Progressive Union said: “The sudden withdrawal of petroleum subsidy by President Goodluck Jonathan against popular opinion and wise counsel at a time when the government urgently needs the understanding, goodwill and support of the entire population against security threat and anarchy, is the most serious tactical error ever to be committed by any leader of this country.”

Instead of rallying the people around him to fight his enemies, Kasum regretted that President Jonathan is swimming against the current of popular opinion by teaming up with oil buccaneers in the country.
—Stephen Oni/Ilorin