As the nationwide protest against hunger and hardship commenced in Lagos State Thursday morning, the Lagos metropolis is devoid of the normal hustling and bustling, just as pro-government protesters occupied the Lagos State Government Secretariat located in the Alausa area of the state.
As of the time of filing this report, Ikeja, Ojodu-Berger, Ikorodu axis and many parts of the state looked deserted as many of the residents remained indoors, just as many commercial motorists, motorcycles and tricycles, popularly called ‘Keke Maruwa’ riders did not show up for business.
This development may not be unconnected with the tension created in some quarters on the planned protests which is expected to commence Thursday.
LEADERSHIP checks also revealed that no BRT buses were seen in any of their terminals across the state, leaving the few commuters seen at the various bus stops stranded.
In the same vein, local food vendors who were out early in the morning for their trading activities did not show up at their usual spots.
Concerned residents have appealed to the protesters to be orderly if they must come out and not be violent to ground business activities, noting that the masses they were protesting for are the worst hit of their actions as many who earn their wages daily may not be able to work.
At the Lagos State Secretariat, it is ‘operation show your identity card’ to gain entrance into the secretariat.
The roads around the secretariat were barricaded by the Police at the traffic light at JJT park, only those who could identify themselves, both motorists and pedestrians were allowed into the area.
Commercial activities remained low too at Alimosho, the area said to be the most populous local government in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, banks and other financial institutions in the area did not open their outlets for the usual daily business as a result of the planned protest over the economic hardship.
LEADERSHIP reports that some youths were seen in clusters along major roads, while the security agents were also visible at major junctions to forestall breakdown of law and order.
In readiness for any eventuality, battle-ready security personnel have been stationed in different parts of Lagos metropolis.
It was gathered that the security operatives were stationed from Wednesday night to ensure that the government’s facilities are well protected to avert repeat of the wanton destruction of property that characterised the #EndSARS protest of 2020.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had before now told Lagosians who have intention of joining the planned protest to restrict their activities to designated protest grounds as designated and ordered by the court in the state.
It would be recalled that the state High Court had on Tuesday granted an order restricting the activities of the protesters to Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu.
