Kunle Adelabu
Residents of Ikorodu woke up today to uncertainties as pockets of violence were recorded in some areas, following Thursday’s State of the Nation address by President Muhammadu Buhari, which many thought would not solve the scarcity of naira which has caused Nigerians hardship.
The President had approved the continuous co-existence of the old N200 note with the newly designed N200, N500 and N1000 notes and enjoined the populace who are still with the old naira notes which are no longer a legal tender to swap them at Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or its designated points.
Buhari also directed that the CBN should release the currency to banks for circulation, unfortunately, virtually all the banks are still shut down as people are unable to access their savings, a situation which has further heightened tension across the country.
So, it was not surprising when residents woke up today to the news that chaos has engulfed Ikorodu road. It was a total breakdown of law and order as vehicles were seen turning back to Ikorodu and people screaming in various videos sent to various social media platforms.
Shouts of ‘fire’, ‘Mile 12 on fire’ among others were heard as commuters ran helter – skelter for their lives.
It was gathered that protesting youths had set fire at strategic points at Mile 12 and turned back vehicles. Many government and others working in private firms had to return back to Ikorodu. Many traders and students going outside Ikorodu were also forced to turn back.
It was the same situation in Ikorodu as aggrieved youths also barricaded Sabo and Ikorodu garage, turning back vehicles.
In the videos sent across various platforms, protesters were seen tearing campaign posters.
Due to the tension, many parents prevented their children from going to school and work and those that dared the situation later returned home as most schools asked parents to come and retrieve them.
But the situation later returned to normalcy, as our reporters went to town around 11am to see the situation of things.
It was calm at Sabo junction which was barricaded earlier with bonfire when our reporter got there around 11.30am. The road had been cleared while few motorbikes were seen at the junction.
It was lull at the Sabo market itself while the ever busy Sabo/Onigida/Itunmoja road was almost empty.
It was the same situation at the popular and busy Ladega market in Ikorodu and most shops along Alhaji Street, Ojubode and Ayangbure Road were shut down. Although, some vehicles and motorbikes were seen on the road and people were going about their businesses peacefully.
Ikorodu garage too was quiet and far from its usual hustling and bustling.
Meanwhile, Ayangbure Road to Ojogbe and Ebute also recorded low activities, so also was the Ipakodo/Ebute Road down to Club 24.
