By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
The commencement of nationwide protests on August 1 has led to a significant disruption of economic activities in Osun State, with several popular markets and businesses closed.
Reports emerging on Thursday indicate that popular markets in Osogbo, the state capital, such as the Orisunmbare market, Igbonna market, and the Alekuwodo market, remained closed, impacting negatively on usual bustling trade scenes.
Also, many shops, corporate offices, and banks across Osogbo were observed to be closed.
According to residents, the slowdown in economic activities was attributed to concerns over potential violence during the protests.
Speaking to The New Diplomat, an unnamed trader cited memories of the violent outcomes of the #EndSARZ protest in October 2020 as a reason for staying indoors.
“I chose not to go to the market today due to fears of a possible escalation of violence, similar to what affected traders and businesses in 2020,” she explained, recalling the losses incurred through looting and property damage during that period.
It would be recalled that thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets across the country to protest against what they described as “bad governance.”
The organizers of the protests had stated that the demonstration is intended to convey their grievances to the Federal Government regarding the high cost of living.
