[UPDATED] ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: PROTESTERS HIT LAGOS STREETS DESPITE POLICE WARNING

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On Monday, a human rights group identified as the “Take It Back Movement” staged a protest in Lagos State against the nation’s skyrocketing food prices and exorbitant cost of living.

This protest was held against the warning issued by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, on Sunday.

He claims that the police will see to it that the appropriate procedures are followed to protect Lagosians’ lives and property, noting that they are aware of certain individuals’ plans to protest in the state.

He emphasized that nothing would hinder the free flow of traffic or a peaceful environment to let residents carry out their lawful duties.

The protesters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions at Ojuelegba under the bridge area of the state to make their grievances known about the current economic hardship across the country.

Addressing reporters, the TIB National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was a demonstration of the people’s will against oppressive tendencies and hardship.

“Yes, despite police attempts to frustrate the people, Lagosians stood their ground. The police are paid by taxpayers’ money, they are meant to secure us.

“We were able to match from Yaba Labour House to Maryland. The protest will continue tomorrow and updates will be given. We will join NLC in their nationwide mass action to put an end to this hardship created by the ruling elite,” Sanyaolu added.

Stating their demands, Sanyaolu said, “The Tinubu-led government must immediately reverse the fuel subsidy removal, the floating of naira and other policies of the International Monetary Fund imposed on Nigerians.”

Members of other civil society organizations, including the Coalition for Revolution and the Joint Action Front, were also present at the demonstration.

The demonstrators were being followed by police officers in vans and members of the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps.