JUST IN: Lagos residents defy police warning, protest over hunger and rising cost of living (Video)
Hundreds of protesters stormed the streets of Lagos on Monday in demonstration against the persistent economic hardship in Nigeria, despite warnings from the police.
The protest was organised by a human rights group, “Take It Back Movement.”
Adegoke Fayoade, the Lagos State commissioner of police, had earlier on Sunday warned against such gatherings during this period.
The protesters were seen in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos carrying placards with various inscriptions and chanting anti-government songs while security agents looked on.
Speaking with journalist during the protest, the TIB National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was a demonstration of the people’s will against oppressive tendencies and hardship.
“Yes, despite police attempts to frustrate the people, Lagosians stood their ground. The police are paid by taxpayers’ money, they are meant to secure us.
“We were able to match from Yaba Labour House to Maryland. The protest will continue tomorrow and updates will be given. We will join NLC in their nationwide mass action to put an end to this hardship created by the ruling elite,” Sanyaolu added.
Stating their demands, Sanyaolu said, “The Tinubu-led government must immediately reverse the fuel subsidy removal, the floating of naira and other policies of the International Monetary Fund imposed on Nigerians.”
Also present at the protest were members of other civil society organisations such as the Joint Action Front and the Coalition for Revolution.
[BREAKING] Hardship: Protesters Hit Lagos Streets Despite Warning By Police
The Take It Back Movement, a human rights group, took to the streets of Lagos State to protest against the rising cost of food and the high cost of living in Nigeria.
This protest defied the warning… pic.twitter.com/M2iGQ0x7rY
— Intel Region (@IntelRegion) February 26, 2024
This comes barely a week after a similar protest occurred in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Recall that a similar protest occurred in Minna, the capital of Niger State, two weeks ago. Hundreds of women and youths blocked roads over the high cost of living in the country.
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had also declared a two-day nationwide mass protest slated for February 27 and 28 over the biting hardship in the country.
