By Michael Egbejule, Benin City
Some youths in Benin metropolis, on Thursday, embarked on a peaceful protest following sharp increase in fuel pump price and the consequent scarcity of the product in the state.
The protesters, mainly youths blocked the ever busy Ugbowo-Benin Lagos highway and the Oluku Junction Axis of the highway.
Commuters who were on their way to Lagos and those hoping to do business in the axis were stranded for long several hours.
Transporters plying the route who lamented the blockade, expressed dissatisfaction over the incident.
A trader, Grace Emmanuel who was taking her goods to Ekiadolor market said she needed to take her perishable goods to where she could sell them so that she doesn’t incur losses.
“It is unfortunate that this protest is taking place because it will compound the already existing problem we face daily. If I don’t get my goods to where I will sell them, some might get bad and that will mean a big loss for me, which I don’t want at this time.
“They are protesting for the right reasons. The fuel situation is hitting hard on everybody but blocking the roads will lead to losses for individuals who are going to do business,” she added.
A driver who gave his name as Osahon said the protest has left most people stranded in the axis, just as he called on the government to find a lasting solution to end the fuel crisis in the country.
Source: The Guardian
