Protest rocks Ilorin over Buhari’s failure to extend naira swap deadline

Police arrests 5

From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin

Residents of Gambari, Zango, Eleko Poly gate, Ogidi in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, staged a protest on Wednesday over President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to extend the naira swap deadline.

Daily Sun reports that angry protesters barricaded the roads with burning tires to register their displeasure over the decision of the federal government.

One of the protesters, Lukman Saheed said, the recent hardship being faced by Nigerians across the country was quite alarming.

“We are protesting to send a message to the government, that we the masses are suffering,” he said.

Others said we are hungry no money to buy our needs. Banks refused to give us new notes this government is not sensitive to our suffering.

Meanwhile the Kwara state Police command in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Okasanmi Ajayi that “Kwara State Police Command woke up to an unlawful burning of disused tires on some major roads in the Ilorin Metropolitan Area this morning, in spite of the earlier warning by the Command against such unwholesome behaviour by hoodlums in the wake of the Naira note swap.

“The situation has however been brought under control, and normalcy has already been established.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, CP Paul Odama, has ordered aggressive motorized and foot patrols of the metro.

“He advised parents and guidance to warn their children or wards to avoid being used as canon fodder by disgruntled political activists, as anyone arrested in the process of committing any crime, either as a result of the fuel or Naira challenges, would be made to face the consequences of such actions alone.

“Once again, the good people of Kwara State are advised to go about their lawful daily endeavors. Enough security arrangements have been placed across the length and breadth of Kwara State to ensure the safety and security of law-abiding citizens and residents.

“The five suspects already arrested in the course of the disturbances this morning would be charged in court.”