PeakNews Online
LAGOS, Nigeria – July 30, 2024 – A viral clip circulating on social media has revealed threats from suspected miscreants warning Lagos State residents not to participate in the upcoming hunger protest scheduled from Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 10.
The voices in the video were heard chastising market vendors in Lagos, urging them to avoid the planned protest to prevent potential destruction akin to the #EndSARS protests.
“Anyone confident should come out on Thursday to protest. Are you the only one hungry? If you dare come out for the protest, you will be mercilessly dealt with,” one voice threatened. “If they burn your shops, who will be responsible for it? On Thursday, if you truly believe in your cause, come out and protest. You are not the only ones who are hungry; we don’t want things to be destroyed in Lagos. We will not allow it.”
The threats come on the heels of a solidarity march held by some Lagos youths to counter the planned nationwide hunger protest. The protest aims to address the growing hunger crisis in the country.
In response to the planned protest, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called on all groups intending to participate to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful. Egbetokun reaffirmed the citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest.
“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest,” Egbetokun stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and preventing violence during the demonstrations.
