Cities Across Nigeria Begin to Rebound After Protest Disruptions

Many citizens who stayed indoors on Thursday due to fears of protest-related violence returned to work yesterday.

Vehicles that had been taken off the roads were back in operation.

Shops, malls, department stores, banks, and other businesses reopened in areas like Okota, Ejigbo, Isolo, Lekki, Oshodi, and other parts of Lagos.

The situation was similar in Ibadan, Abeokuta, Otta in Ogun State, Enugu, Aba, and Sokoto.

Security forces used teargas to prevent protesters from marching from MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja to Eagle Square, the planned rally point.

Protesters had gathered at various locations in Abuja, including the Berger Roundabout in Wuse Zone 6, from as early as 9:06 am, before heading to MKO Abiola Stadium. A helicopter was seen flying over the stadium, adding to the tension.

Security personnel from the Army Headquarters Garrison Command, NSCDC, and DSS were deployed in large numbers, especially around key government buildings in the Central Area and the Three Arms Zone.

Traffic was light on major roads in the capital, with security forces in riot gear stationed at strategic locations to prevent a repeat of Thursday’s riots, during which miscreants caused chaos.

In both the metropolis and satellite towns, many residents stayed home, waiting to see how events would unfold on the second day of the 10-day protest.

Many private and public sector employees, who were stranded on Thursday due to limited transportation, extended their weekend into Friday.

Commuters who ventured out yesterday afternoon faced difficulty finding transport.

In Ibadan, more businesses reopened, and petrol stations resumed dispensing fuel.

In Enugu, despite not participating in the Thursday protest, economic activities were in full swing yesterday at Ogbete Market, Kenyatta, New Market, and others. Banks, offices, and street shops also resumed business.

In Sokoto, protesters who had taken over the roads on Thursday were absent yesterday.

Popular roads like Ahmadu Bello Way, Emir Yahaya, Ungwan Rogo, Gidan Man Ada, Gidan Igwai, Tudun Wada, Kofar Atiku, Marina, Mabera, Gagi, Arkilla, Sokoto-Birnin Kebbi road, and Old Airport Area were clear for motorists. Markets and businesses reopened.

Some residents, under the banner of the Progressive Nigeria Movement, held a counter-protest in support of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, and Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. They claimed the #EndBadGovernance/hunger protest was organized by those who lost in the 2023 general elections.

“As Nigerians, we find the slogan #endbadgovernance# amusing. We recall the people-oriented policies of this government. In Sokoto, we stand firmly behind Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” said Jacob Shehu, spokesman for the group.

In Calabar, commercial activities resumed yesterday. Businesses that had closed on the first day of the protest opened for customers as early as 9 a.m. The popular Marian Market was bustling, and commercial motorists operated normally. Fuel stations also dispensed products.

In Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, turnout for the second day of the protest was low. Protesters gathered at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, marched through Orisunbare to Ola-Iya, and observed the Jumat prayers.