Security operatives take over Lagos protest ground

Security operatives have barricaded  the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos, where some residents had planned to stage a protest.

An Armoured Personnel Carrier is stationed at the entrance of the park while there are Hilux vans at strategic spots.

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Armed officers are also fully on ground, with no single protester in sight.

The every-busy Ikorodu road is deserted as traders have closed shops while a few vehicles are on the road.

Most residents have chosen to stay indoors, apparently to avoid being caught in any clash between security operatives and protesters.

Citing the rising insecurity and economic hardship, some persons had fixed June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, for the protest.

But the police repeatedly warned that protest would not be allowed in any part of the state.

In a statement on Friday, the police asked residents to disregard any sit-at-home circulated on social media.

Muyiwa Adejobi, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, urged residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of any planned protest in Lagos State to commemorate the 2021 Democracy Day on Saturday, 12th June, 2021,” the statement read.

“In this regard, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, therefore appeals to members of the public to disregard any sit-at-home order called by certain groups which is being circulated on the social media and go about their lawful businesses, as the police and other security agencies have made necessary arrangements to maintain law and order across the state.”

Popularly known as Freedom Park, the Gani Fawehinmi Park was where the massive Occupy Nigeria protest, which shook the government of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, held in 2012.

Meanwhile, there is normalcy in most parts of Lagos State.

On Saturday morning, our correspondent witnessed the usual vehicular and human movements across Ikeja, Agege, Mangoro, among other parts of Nigeria’s commercial capital.