By Wisdom Ndisika
WARRI/Nigeria: Deco Road in Warri and its surrounding areas witnessed a sudden protest today as frustrated residents took to the streets to express their anger over the continuous surge in fuel prices nationwide. Protesters, holding placards with messages such as “We need regulation of fuel prices,” “Pity drivers,” and “End hardship,” called for immediate action from the government.
One of the protesters, Blessing Oke, voiced her concerns about the escalating fuel prices, lamenting that some filling stations now charge as much as ₦1,200 per liter.
“The situation is alarming,” she said, highlighting the financial strain the hike has placed on ordinary citizens.
Tricycle operators, among the most affected by the rising fuel costs, were also part of the protest. Comrade Joel Idu, speaking on behalf of the riders, explained that the protest was sparked by increasing complaints from passengers about fare hikes due to the soaring price of fuel. He noted that many tricycle operators are now forced to operate at a loss. “It’s unwise to buy fuel at such exorbitant prices and earn little to no profit in return,” Idu stressed.
The protest, which began peacefully, caused significant disruption along Deco Road, with marketers and commuters seen trekking to nearby areas such as PTI Junction, fearing potential harm.
As tensions grew, the initially peaceful demonstration turned chaotic, with the absence of law enforcement or any designated authorities to mediate. The lack of police presence left the situation unmonitored, raising concerns among residents about their safety and the growing unrest in the area.
