Breaking News from Ogasabi and 9am News Nigeria: The nationwide protests have entered their third day, with protest in various states continuing to take to the streets despite crackdowns by security agencies. 9am News Nigeria reports that the protests, primarily focused on demanding good governance and addressing economic hardships, have been largely peaceful across numerous states.
In Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja with 9am News Nigeria noting that despite provocations from security agents, demonstrators have maintained a peaceful stance. In contrast, the South-Eastern states have not seen significant protest activities. While some regions experienced arrests of suspected vandals, others saw a gradual return to normalcy, with shops reopening even as protesters stayed on the streets.
The northern part of the country, initially a hotspot for the hunger protests, appears to be stabilizing. Curfews imposed in states like Kano, Borno, and Jigawa have been enforced to maintain order, although they were temporarily lifted for Muslims to observe Friday prayers. Despite initial violence, including looting and attacks on businesses and government buildings, the situation seems to be under better control, with fewer reports of casualties.
Port Harcourt
Protesters gathered at Port Harcourt Pleasure Park in Rivers State on Saturday morning, continuing their demonstrations.
Some of the protesters are singing the old national anthem as a form of protest here in Port Harcourt.
Lagos
Earlier, there were agitations by the protesters as thugs converged at the venue, threatened the protesters, and asked them to return to their various homes to protest and make their demands in lagos.
Meanwhile, Adegoke Fayoade, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, visited the protest site in Ojota to address the media and oversee the situation. Mr. Fayoade commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring their safety.
Abuja
However, tensions escalated in Abuja, where Nigerian police clashed with peaceful demonstrators at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. A demonstrator was tragically killed, and three others were injured when officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) fired shots into the air. This incident occurred after protesters, denied entry to Eagle Square by court order, regrouped inside the stadium under heavy security from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Police, and DSS. Earlier, protesters had been tear-gassed at the Berger roundabout in Wuse Zone 6 as they marched towards the stadium, chanting solidarity songs.
Stay tuned to Ogasabi and 9am News Nigeria for ongoing coverage and updates on the nationwide protests.