Protesters In Abuja have reconvened at a new location, at the popular Berger Roundabout where they gathered to protest against bad governance, hunger, and the high cost of living despite police action against them on Thursday. The protest which entered Day 2 witnessed resilient protesters abandoning the M.K.O Abiola Stadium the government said they should stage their protests.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
However, while the protesters expressed their grievances, police operatives fired tear gas canisters at both the protesters and journalists, causing them to scamper for safety.
Recall that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun had declared all units of the police to be combat ready following the negative assessment of the first day of protest across the country.
He said, “Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest.
“Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed.
“The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa.
“Police stations have been destroyed, there have been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.”
THE WHISTLER witnessed protesters defying heavy handedness by the police as they insisted on protesting on Friday, day two of the 10-day organisers said would be used to call the government to action against hunger.