Vanguard news reported that scores of commercial transporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, staged a protest on Thursday afternoon, halting operations to express their frustration over the high cost of petrol, which has severely affected their businesses.

Okada riders, Keke Napep operators, and other intra-city commercial transporters were forced off the road by their fellow aggrieved members, who bitterly complained about the rising cost of fuel. The protesters occupied key junctions across the state capital, including Maraba, Taiwo Isale, Unity, and Offa Garage roundabouts, to express their grievances over the fuel price hike.

Passengers on Okada and tricycles were forced to disembark and continue their journeys on foot, while vehicle owners were asked to display leaves in solidarity with the protesters before being allowed to proceed.

Fuel prices in Ilorin now range between N1,100 and N1,200 per litre, compared to the official price of N895 as announced by the NNPC.

The protest, which began around 7 or 8 a.m., prompted several filling stations in Ilorin to suspend sales, fearing that their facilities could be attacked or destroyed by the protesters.

As a result of the development, many commuters who were stranded had to trek some kilometers to their destinations but private motorists were allowed free movement.

Vanguard Correspondent reliably gathered that some owners of commercial shops in the state capital, also closed for business to prevent looting if the situation escalates.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun in Ilorin proved abortive at the time of this report.

At press time detachment of armed Police officers in mufti was seen at Unity junction on standby, watching activities of the protesters unmolested.