Thousands of youths marched through the streets of Ibadan, Oyo State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday as the nationwide protests against bad governance and economic hardship entered their seventh day.
The protests saw large crowds in both cities, with demonstrators calling for government action on pressing national issues.
One of the organisers of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, the Take-It-Back Movement, shared updates on social media yesterday.
The movement, in a post on X, said the protesters gathered at the Agbowo-UI area in Ibadan while in Port Harcourt, they took to major streets.
“LIVE from Agbowo-UI, IBADAN. Day 7: PortHarcourt marching against bad Governance. #EndBadGovernaceInNigerian,” the post read.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command said criminal elements have hijacked the protests in Port Harcourt.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, in a statement on Wednesday, said these individuals were targeting motorists and businesses, causing disruptions and engaging in illegal activities.
“The ongoing protests in Rivers have devolved into criminal activities, with hoodlums harassing residents going about their lawful business.
“They have been disrupting traffic, forcing motorists to attach leaves to their vehicles, erecting canopies on main roads, destroying billboards, and threatening traders.
“The protesters have also set tyres ablaze on the roads,” she said.
The spokesperson said that the organisers were losing control of the crowd.
She emphasised that such behaviour was not indicative of a peaceful protest and called for calm.
She urged protesters to confine their activities to designated areas, such as Abali Park and Pleasure Park and warned that any further disruption would be met with firm resistance, including arrests and prosecutions.
They have also called on parents to caution their children and wards to prevent any further breaches of peace.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
