There was a significant deployment of security personnel at the entry gates of the Presidential Villa in Abuja today to prevent any possible invasion by protesters. The heavy security presence was in response to the first day of a national protest against hunger, which saw miscreants taking over parts of the city, blocking roads, and extorting motorists.
At the Fire Service and Supreme Court gates leading to the Presidential Villa in Asokoro, soldiers, police, and DSS operatives conducted thorough checks on commuters and vehicles to deter protesters from approaching the seat of power.
On the Kubwa express road, groups of hooligans blocked the road, demanding money from drivers as a form of toll. The miscreants, some carrying sticks and planks, forced motorists to carry green leaves as a sign of solidarity. Those who did not comply faced physical threats and extortion.
The scene was chaotic, with more than 2,000 individuals blocking various sections of the highway from NYSC junction Kubwa to Katampe. In one incident, a correspondent from Vanguard was extorted and had his phone stolen by a miscreant. Other extortionists retrieved the phone only after the correspondent agreed to pay a ‘bail’ fee.
By 1:30 pm, military patrol vehicles were seen heading towards the areas dominated by the miscreants. Meanwhile, tension rose in the Jikwoyi-Kurudu-Karshi axis as protesters burned tires on the road. The usually busy Karshi-Nyanya-AYA road was deserted, with many civil servants and traders choosing to stay home to avoid potential danger.
Commuters attempting to reach their destinations were forced to turn back due to the unrest. Tricycle riders were seen fleeing the area, and large crowds gathered at bus stops with little hope of finding transportation. Police officers equipped with tear gas canisters stood alert at the District Police station along Kurudu, preparing for any escalation.
The #Endbadgovernance protest began early on Thursday, August 1st, with demonstrators around the city center mainly confined to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. At a major military checkpoint on the Abuja-Keffi expressway, a heavily armed soldier checked the few vehicles passing through the nearly deserted road.
