Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu
Tricycle riders and Bus drivers have reportedly taken to the streets of Enugu to register their displeasure over the high cost of fuel and scarcity of the product.
Although a developing story, our correspondent gathered that the protestors at Agbani Road, Wednesday, February 1, 2023, bemoaned the high cost of purchasing PMS and the scarcity of the product, compounded with the challenges of the new naira notes.
Confirming the protest, a source, Izunna, who spoke to our correspondent over the phone said all filling stations in Agbani road quickly closed up, possibly to avoid the angry protestors attacking them.
In his words: “I was at UBA in Amokwe bus stop when I began to hear noises. Coming out, I saw Keke (Tricycle) riders and Bus drivers blocking the roads and placing green leaves on the roads too. They were pulling people down from Keke and buses, discharging them to ensure they join in the protests too.
“I drove to Zik Avenue from there to look for fuel and towards the rail, I witnessed the same thing. All filling stations hurriedly closed out of fear.
“As I drove back to Agbani road, around Eso bus stop, I saw military men around the Total filling station there. I used the Emeka Ebila street bypass and while driving up the Emeka Ebila hill, I heard gunshots. I suspect the military dispersed some of the protestors with the gunshots”.
Another source who spoke under anonymity said she flagged down a Keke around Ubaka street in Achara Layout to get to Camp in Agbani road but was told to pay N1,500 by the rider.
“I wanted to enter drop to camp from Ubaka new bridge. The Keke man told me N1,500. I was surprised because the amount was outrageous. It was when I got to Mayor that I saw people running helter skelter due to the demonstration”.
Our correspondent sent a message to the Enugu State Police PRO to ascertain if he was aware of the development. As at the time of writing this report, he is yet to respond.
Many filling stations are now selling a litre of fuel between N450 and N500 while some others were closed. In a video circulating on social media and made by an unidentified man, scenes from the protests revealed heavy gridlocks caused.