Commercial tricyclists stormed the streets of Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, calling on the Federal Government to reverse the increase in fuel price.
The tricycle operators, popularly known as “Keke,” barricaded Deco Junction in the Warri South Local Government Area, expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation.
The protesters, armed with placards, marched from Enerhen Junction to Deco Junction to voice their grievances over the rising prices of petroleum products, the perceived scarcity, and the resulting hardships.
They gathered as early as 6:00 a.m. at Enerhen Junction to begin the peaceful protest and proceeded to barricade Deco Junction, demanding urgent intervention from the Federal Government.
Our correspondent reports that Deco Junction is the nexus to Enerhen Junction, Hausa Quarters, and Okumagba Avenue.
While the protest lasted, armed operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps were present to maintain law and order.
The protest, however, brought business activities in the area to a halt for several hours, causing heavy vehicular gridlock and a significant loss of man-hours.
One of the protesters, Mr. Omatseye Esijolomi, condemned the insensitive and astronomical rise in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
“We are buying petrol from the black market at prices ranging from N1,400 to N1,500.
“This hike has led to an increase in the cost of transportation, which is affecting our work.
“We are also paying community levies and settling police and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) every day.
“We wouldn’t have issues with this if the money was going into government coffers.
“We are suffering; the government should lower the price of petrol and make the product available.
“The price is killing us. We can no longer stay silent; that is why we are crying out to the government,” he said.
Another protester, Mr. Monday Asuquo, said the peaceful protest was for the benefit of the masses.
According to him, the cost of transportation has increased astronomically, to the disadvantage of commuters.
“We are protesting on behalf of the masses. We need the government to do the right thing because people are going through tough times.
“The government should consider the masses and come to their aid.
“We need urgent intervention. Schools are resuming next week, and prices are rising,” he lamented.
Mr. Efe Odeya added that the commercial tricyclists pay levies to the government and renew their papers as required.
“We do not have anything against the government. They should reduce the price of fuel, that’s all. To buy and maintain a Keke now costs N5.5 million.
“We are begging the government to please come to our aid. We have the right to a peaceful protest, so they should do the needful so we can work and take care of our families,” Odeya pleaded.
Many petroleum marketers were seen dispensing the product at prices between N1,000 and N1,200 in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun.
Roadside sellers, popularly known as black marketers, were selling the product for between N1,400 and N1,500 per liter.
Many filling stations did not open for sales, possibly due to a lack of supply.
The situation has led to a sharp increase in transportation fares within the metropolis and for inter-state travel.
Checks at the popular Airport Junction in Uvwie Local Government Area revealed that fewer vehicles were available at various motor parks, possibly due to the scarcity of the product.
The spokesman of the Delta Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, has yet to provide details of the protest.
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