Protesters under the RevolutionNow and #TakeItBack movements staged demonstrations in Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt on Wednesday to protest rising economic hardship, insecurity and xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
In Abuja, the protest was led by activist Omoyele Sowore. Protesters carried placards and called on the Federal Government to improve security, reduce the cost of living and protect Nigerians living in South Africa.
Addressing the crowd, Sowore said the movement would continue to demand accountability from the government.
“We are tired of hunger, corruption and insecurity. This is just the beginning of a series of actions,” he said.
He also called for a ₦500,000 minimum wage, the release of Nnamdi Kanu and an end to the prosecution of activists.
The protest in Abuja ended peacefully.
In Lagos, however, the protest turned chaotic after suspected hoodlums disrupted the gathering. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd after the situation became tense.
The Lagos coordinator of the #TakeItBack Movement, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, accused armed men of attacking protesters before the march could begin.
But Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, denied targeting peaceful protesters.
“The protest started peacefully with police providing protection. Those dispersed were hoodlums who tried to hijack the protest and rob members of the public,” he said.
Security later restored calm to the area, while protests also took place in Ibadan and Port Harcourt as part of the nationwide action.