A human rights group identified as the ‘Take It Back Movement’ took to the streets of Lagos State to protest against the escalating prices of food and the general high cost of living in Nigeria.
This demonstration occurred in defiance of a warning issued by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, on Sunday.
Despite the police warning, the protesters congregated at the Ojuelegba under-bridge area of Lagos State, holding placards with various inscriptions.
This protest in Lagos State follows similar ones in Oyo, Kano, Minna, and other locations, expressing dissatisfaction over economic hardships linked to petrol subsidy removal, food inflation, and the overall high cost of living.
News About Nigeria reported that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Adegoke Fayoade, cautioned protesters against infringing on the rights of others during the planned nationwide strike scheduled by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for February 27 and February 28.
The NLC and TUC had organised the strike to protest the perceived hardship faced by Nigerians, citing increased prices of goods and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the depreciation of the naira.
However, the TUC withdrew from the scheduled protest on Saturday, expressing concerns that it might lead to anarchy.
In a statement issued in Ikeja by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Commissioner Fayoade warned protesters against actions that could obstruct commercial activities and disrupt the free flow of traffic in Lagos State.
He warned that anyone found violating the rights of others would face lawful consequences.
The police boss assured residents that adequate security measures had been implemented to safeguard lives and property, regardless of the planned protest.
He stated that officers and men had been strategically deployed to ensure the peaceful conduct of lawful engagements and maintain a secure environment.
