Protesters at Eagles Square in Abuja rejected Minister of State for Youth Development Ayodele Olawande’s attempt to address them, chanting “hunger dey” and drowning out his voice.
However, after calming the crowd, Olawande assured them he wasn’t there to suppress the protest, citing his own experience participating in numerous demonstrations.
“I’m not here to fight you or stop your protest; it’s your right,” he said.
He also promised to address the police regarding their use of canisters against the protesters.
Despite Olawande’s efforts, the protesters refused to relocate to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, citing a recent parallel protest that occurred without police interference.
Gunshots As Police Prevent Protesters From Blocking Major Road
Tension escalated on Thursday at the popular Top Medical Junction in the Tunga area of Minna, Niger State capital, as gunshots were fired into the air when protesters attempted to block the road.
Earlier, police had deployed teargas to disperse the protesters, who subsequently regrouped and aimed to set up a roadblock on the busy thoroughfare.
In response, the policemen on the ground fired gunshots into the air to scare the protesters away.
Upon arrival at the scene, DailyTrust observed policemen and vigilantes removing stones that the protesters had used to barricade a section of the road.
The security presence in Minna has been significantly increased, with operatives from the police, military, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps taking over perceived hotspots.
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