Oyo State records peaceful protest
By Adewale Owoade
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ayodele Sonubi, says the nationwide protest against hunger has been peaceful in the state.
Sonubi told newsmen the protesters conducted themselves in a peaceful manner while exercising their rights, agitating for their demands without any hindrance.
He assured that the police and other security agencies would continue to provide an enabling environment for peaceful protests, adding that the government is aware of their demands.
The protest, which started under Iwo Road Bridge, proceeded through Agodi-Gate, University College Hospital, and terminated at Mokola Roundabout.
One of the protest leaders, Oyo State Coalition Against Hunger, Ademola Aremu, said the protest is to call the attention of government to the high cost of living.
“Our protest has been peaceful; we don’t have guns, the only thing that we have is our placards and banners.
“We are saying end to hunger and poverty, that is why we are here,” Aremu said.
Also speaking, Mr Yomi Ogunlola, a legal practitioner, who said the youths are expressing their grievances, praised them for conducting themselves well and adhering to the designated areas.
Ogunlola commended the government for providing security for the protesters and the security agencies for their adequate provision.
“I have come out to sympathise with them on this noble cause and we believe that by registering their grievances, perhaps government will have a rethink, so I’m here in solidarity.
“I want to commend the Nigerian government for what they have done in providing security for the protesters to carry out their protest peacefully.
“Here in Oyo State it is only the protesters that are on the street and they have conducted themselves very well and limited themselves to what government has allowed and the court judgment that restricted them to particular areas,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
