Police Occupy Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge as Nigerians Set For Hardship Protest, Video Trends

September 16, 2024

A video showing Nigerian police operatives in Lagos preparing for the August 1 hunger protest on the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge is trending online
The footage, shared by Brila FM, captured officers during a show of force on Wednesday, July 31
Legit.ng reports that frustrated with growing economic hardships, some Nigerians are planning nationwide protests this week

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism.

Lekki, Lagos state - Heavily armed police personnel, on Wednesday, July 31, took over the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge area in Lagos.

Security agents in police patrol vehicles were seen keeping watch on the potential protest ground in an apparent show of force.

Legit.ng reports that the axis was the hotbed of the 2020 EndSARS protest, a demonstration most state actors in Nigeria have a negative review of.

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'End Bad Governance' protests by disgruntled Nigerians are planned to take place in Lagos, Abuja, Niger, Ibadan, Ogun, Kano, Adamawa, and Ondo, among others.

It is understood that the show of force on the eve of the demonstrations was to create awareness among Lagosians on the readiness of security personnel toward the planned protest.

Recall that on Monday, July 29, Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), stated that the security agencies were not averse to people venting their anger by way of peaceful protest, adding that they had the right to protest without infringing on the rights of others.

The police boss equally directed police top brass in each state to protect intending participants of the planned hardship protest slated for Thursday, August 1, to Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Protest: Lawyer bemoans Nigeria's situation

Meanwhile, a Lagos-based lawyer, Barrister Nurudeen Yusuf, reminded the government that peaceful protests are lawful in Nigeria.

According to Yusuf, the "emergency palliatives" are not permanent solutions to Nigeria's problems.

The legal practitioner told Legit.ng:

"This country really hurt some of us with all these issues going around."Silencing protesters, issuing threats, and throwing around temporary emergency palliatives (are not the best option). As of today, there is nothing to suggest plans for a lasting solution."

Court restricts protests in Lagos

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Lagos high court restricted Nigerians planning to take part in the August 1 nationwide protest to the Peace Park in Ketu area of Lagos state and the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota.

Read more on planned protests

Protest: Lawyer bemoans Nigeria's situation

Court restricts protests in Lagos