Across Nigeria, from Abuja to Abeokuta and Port Harcourt to Lagos, businesses and banks have shut down, and roads are unusually deserted as the #EndBadGovernance protest takes hold. Protesters, undeterred by last-minute efforts from authorities to halt the demonstrations, have taken to the streets to voice their frustrations over poor living conditions.
In Kaduna, the usually bustling Ahmadu Bello Way, a central hub of economic activity, is eerily empty. Public transportation systems are operating at reduced capacity as most commuters stay indoors, fearing unrest.
The Sokoto metropolis and Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, are heavily guarded by security forces, with residents largely avoiding the protests. Similarly, in Bauchi, the proposed protest venue opposite the School of Agriculture in Yelwan Laborer remains quiet, with security personnel maintaining order.
In Kano, streets are empty, and shops are heavily guarded. However, in the Zoo Road area, people are chanting “Mu yunwa muke ji,” meaning “we are hungry.”
In Lagos, a group of counter-protesters gathered in Alausa but were redirected by security operatives. Meanwhile, a procession of demonstrators is making its way from Ikeja Underbridge to Alausa, defying orders against street protests.
At the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, about 50 protesters, including members of the “Enough Is Enough” group, have gathered at the entrance. Co-convener Deji Adeyanju noted that security officials have been cooperative so far. A sizeable deployment of police, army, and other security personnel is present to ensure safety.
