Heavy security as hunger protest begins in Abuja
Activists gathering under the banner of the hunger protest convened at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, on Thursday, adhering to a court order that has confined their demonstration to the venue.
Protestors, many arriving as early as 6AM, filled the air with chants of solidarity as they rallied against the prevailing economic hardship faced by many citizens.
A strong presence of heavily armed security personnel could be seen throughout the stadium, a reflection of the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.
The demonstration, which is anticipated to last for ten days, comes as security forces have implemented citywide lockdowns in Abuja and other major cities, including Lagos and Port Harcourt, to preemptively manage crowds.
READ ALSO: Lone protester begins early demonstration in Kano (Pictures)
Key access routes, such as the Kubwa Expressway, Nyanya-Maraba Expressway, and Airport roads, have been heavily patrolled by armed soldiers, resulting in significant traffic disruptions for commuters who experienced extensive delays.
Sirens from security vehicles filled the streets of Abuja, serving as a display of force ahead of the nationwide protests scheduled to commence on August 1st, 2024.
Additionally, military checkpoints have reemerged along critical roads, such as Kugbo on the Abuja-Keffi route, aimed at regulating movement in preparation for the protests.
As concerns for safety grow among residents, particularly in the Nyanya area, the visibility of security officials including police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) members, and immigration officers has increased significantly, adding to the already heightened sense of unease among commuters.
At the Eagle Square, Abuja, a large number of police and military vehicles, alongside officials were stationed, for quick response to any breakdown of law and order.
Similarly, a large number of police officers were mobilised to Unity Fountain, Abuja, which is usually the place of convergence and also the starting point for such an event.
At the Kubwa axis of the expressway, a long queues of vehicles trapped in the man-made traffic, occasioned by the blockade set up by military men, stretched up to 20 kilometres.
In Lagos, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), personnel from other units of the police force, civil defence and others were visibly present at Ikeja, Obalende, Oworonshoki, Yaba, Ojuelegba and other areas.
The situation was similar in Benin City, Abeokuta, Kano and Ibadan.
Watch the video below:
Proofreading and editing by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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