LAGOS—In response to calls for an end to hunger and economic challenges in Nigeria, hundreds of protesters gathered in Lagos, Osun, and Oyo states to express their dissatisfaction, urging state and federal governments to take action to alleviate the hardships faced by the masses.
Protesters gathered at designated locations in Lagos, Oyo, and Osun states to protest against poor governance, warning that yesterday’s protest was “just a dress rehearsal.” Major markets, shops, government offices, and banks were closed for fear of looting by criminals who might hijack the protest.
Protesters Storm Ikeja, Ojota, Lekki
Starting at 9 am, placard-carrying protesters stormed Ikeja Under Bridge and later marched to Ojota, converging on Ikorodu Road and ignoring police requests to move into designated parks in the area. Placards bore messages such as “President Bola Tinubu Save us from hunger,” “We can’t afford two square meals per day,” “Foodstuffs are unaffordable,” “Stop corruption,” and “Nigeria is bleeding.”
A court ruling had restricted the movement of protesters to designated locations in Lagos, specifically the Chief Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and Peace Park, both in Ojota. However, protesters defied this order and converged at Lekki-Epe Toll Gate for a demonstration.
Vanguard reporters observed special security personnel, tagged ‘CP Tactical Squad, Lagos State Police Command,’ stationed at Egbeda Bus Stop, Alimosho Local Government Area, monitoring developments.
For most of the day, roads and streets were deserted, with only commercial buses, known as Danfos, operating. Armed security personnel were strategically positioned across the metropolis. The typically busy Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminals were empty, with no buses in sight, and passengers scrambled to board Danfos.
Several banks, eateries, fuel stations, superstores, and other businesses remained closed. Around 7:30 am, armed policemen, a special task force, and the Rapid Response Squad were deployed in large numbers, and police helicopters were seen conducting surveillance operations across the state.
Pro and Anti-Government Groups Clash in Lagos
In Lagos State, two youth groups clashed during protests in front of Fawehinmi Park in the Ojota area over economic hardship.
One group, led by Abiodun Kolawole, also known as Iya Gani Fawehinmin, protested against the hardship in Nigeria, carrying placards with various inscriptions calling for an end to the suffering. The other group challenged the first group, protesting in support of the government.
Police officers attempted to persuade the pro-government group to stage their protest inside the park, but the group refused, citing concerns about potential attacks.
The group protesting against hardship urged President Bola Tinubu to punish looters and implement measures to ease the suffering of the masses. Kolawole emphasized that they were exercising their rights as Nigerians to draw attention to the economic challenges faced by citizens and urged President Tinubu and state governors to address the high cost of living.
The second group, represented by Azeez Anomuyiwa, opposed the first group’s stance, arguing that they were not showing understanding towards the current government. Anomuyiwa stated, “We are not against protests against hardship, but Nigerians should have protested against certain things before now. President Tinubu inherited hardship from the former government. Many properties and infrastructure were destroyed during the 2020 ENDSARS protest. We don’t want such again in Lagos.”
Teargas Canisters Deployed in Lekki
The protest, which was largely peaceful, temporarily turned chaotic when police dispersed protesters with teargas canisters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos. No injuries were reported as security personnel quickly restored order.
Commercial Activities Halted in Lagos
Commercial activities in Lagos came to a standstill as many residents stayed indoors during the hunger protest. Shops were closed, and commercial vehicles vacated the roads. At the popular Oyingbo market, a woman identified as Mrs. Aina expressed her frustration with the country’s hardship. She stated, “I am not opening my shop because I do not know what the outcome of the protest would be, but I believe that as a mother, it is important to identify with the protesters in the fight against bad governance. Prices of foodstuffs are high. We cannot eat two times a day, and that is why I support this protest. My prayer is that it will end in peace. I urge the Federal Government to listen to the people. Nigerians are dying of hunger.”
