Tensions are rising in Lagos as suspected miscreants threaten residents, warning them not to participate in the upcoming hunger protests scheduled from August 1 to August 10. In a viral video that surfaced on Tuesday, unidentified individuals were heard chastising market vendors, urging them to avoid the planned protest, citing fears of destruction akin to the #EndSARS protests.
“Anyone confident should come out on Thursday to protest. Are you the only one hungry? If you dare come out for the protest, you will be mercilessly dealt with,” the voices warned. They emphasized that any damage to shops during the protest would be the protesters’ responsibility.
The threats have sparked fear among residents, particularly market women and men, who are now wary of participating in the protests. The comparison to the #EndSARS protests, which saw significant destruction and violence, has only heightened these fears. Many are concerned about the potential for violence and the impact it could have on their livelihoods.
Youth March and Police Preparation
Amidst these threats, there have been movements opposing the planned protests. The PUNCH had previously reported that some youths in Lagos organized a solidarity march to counter the hunger protest. This march was intended to show support for maintaining peace and discouraging any actions that could lead to violence and destruction.
In response to the planned protests and the threats associated with them, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has called on all groups planning to participate in the nationwide protest to submit their details to state Commissioners of Police. This measure is aimed at ensuring that the protests remain peaceful and that any potential for violence is mitigated.
“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide the necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place,” Egbetokun stated. This call for registration is seen as a move to maintain order and ensure that the police can adequately prepare for and manage the protests.
The police have also assured the public that they are prepared to handle any situation that may arise. There are plans to deploy additional officers to areas where protests are expected to ensure that they remain peaceful and that any attempts to incite violence are promptly dealt with. The goal is to prevent a repeat of the chaos that occurred during the #EndSARS protests.
Government and Community Leaders Urge Caution
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has expressed that there is no longer a need for the planned hunger protests. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that the government is addressing the demands of aggrieved Nigerians and working to ensure food availability. Idris emphasized that steps are being taken to address the root causes of the hunger crisis and that the government is committed to providing relief to those affected.
In addition to government assurances, the Christian Association of Nigeria, various politicians, and notable individuals have called on the youth to cancel the protest. There are concerns that the protest might be hijacked by individuals with malicious intent, leading to further unrest. These calls for caution are based on the fear that the protests could escalate and lead to violence and destruction, which would only worsen the situation.
Despite these calls, the protest has garnered significant support on social media, with endorsements from prominent figures, including presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi. These endorsements have helped to increase the visibility of the protests and have encouraged more people to consider participating.
Source: Punch
