Breaking: Heavy protest rocks Minna over high cost of living

Residents of Minna, Niger State's capital, blocked important roadways on Monday morning in protest of the city's high living costs.

Women and young individuals among the demonstrators were heard shouting protest songs while police officers and other security personnel watched the event.

The demonstrators claimed that the rise in food costs, along with the government's poor response, drove them to block major roadways in order to catch the authorities' attention.

Niger Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba addressed the demonstrators, stating that the administration recognised the suffering and challenges that families were experiencing at the time.

He also stated that the government was attempting to reduce the cost of living and mitigate the effects of the elimination of petrol subsidies.

Police officers fired firearms in an attempt to disperse demonstrators who refused to leave the roadway.

As early as 7 a.m. on Monday, a group of ladies blocked Minna-Bida Road near the renowned Kpakungu roundabout to protest rising food prices.

In Kano, a 50kg bag of sugar at Singer Market currently costs N73, 000, up to N62, 000 in early January.

They were then joined by men, who prevented vehicles from moving.

Police efforts to contain the gathering nearly became violent when protesters demanded that the police leave, causing the officers to fire multiple shots into the air.

One of the youngsters, Ibrahim Gana, stated that rice was sold in Minna markets for N2,000 per mudu and corn for N1,000 per measure.