Abuja, Nigeria – The #EndBadGovernance protest, which has swept across Nigeria, escalated on its second day as security forces clashed with demonstrators in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. In Lagos, thugs menacingly threatened to behead protesters and journalists, while police officers looked on. Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, protesters converged at the Federal Secretariat area.
At the Ojota protest grounds in Lagos, activist Zokira Ibeh detailed the escalating situation to Middle Belt Times: “We gathered here as early as 7 a.m. Initially, it was peaceful until about 20 thugs arrived, causing a surge in tension. They explicitly threatened to behead me and a media person. It’s crucial to note that the Police, who are duty-bound to protect us during this peaceful protest, were present but did nothing as thugs disrupted our demonstration.”
In contrast, Ibadan, Oyo State, has thus far remained relatively calm, with businesses resuming operations.
In Abuja, a contingent of heavily armed Nigerian Police officers forcibly dispersed a group of protesters near Berger Bridge. The protesters, chanting “Hunger dey oo, hunger dey ooo” (There’s hunger, there’s hunger), were met with tear gas and forceful dispersal by the officers. Passers-by and motorists, caught off-guard, criticized the police for their heavy-handed approach.
As the protest continues, the situation remains volatile, with calls for an end to bad governance echoing across the nation amid growing concerns over the safety of protesters and the role of law enforcement in maintaining public order.
