…Police teargas protesters at the MKO stadium
…markets, banks remain closed
The EndBadGovernance protests continued in Abuja on Friday, even as movements eased in some parts of the federal Capital Territory FCT.
This is as the security operatives made up of the Police and Civil Defense, continued to provide strong resistance to protesters who attempted to have access into the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
The security agencies had to fire teargas to disperse the protesters who attempted to gain entrance into the stadium despite the court order which had earlier restricted the protesters to the stadium.
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Residents in various parts of the FCT, including Bwari, Nyanya, Karu, Kubwa, Dutse, Dutse Alhaji, Sokale and Kubwa, witnessed the resumption of skeletal activities amidst tight security.
Residents were seen moving about their daily activities as neighbourhood provision shops opened for businesses
Commercial vehicles were also seen moving about, even as they carry leaves on their cars, in display of solidarity with the protesters, while tricycles(Keke) and motorcycles also moved about freely conveying passengers within the area.
At the popular Dutse Alhaji market and Dutse Modern market, Zenith Bank and other major electronic shops and businesses along the busy route however, remain shut .
Fewer commuters were seen on the streets as the usual Zenith Bank bus stop, was almost deserted with few okada and Keke drivers seen scouting for passengers.
As part of security measures, Police stationed their trucks at strategic locations within the city, including Dutse Alhaji gate, police checkpoints at, Sokale, FCDA gate, federal housing junction and at the NNPC Kubwa junction., amongst other areas, regarded as flash points
At various points policemen could also be seen engaging with the youths in what seems to be an easy chat.
A police man who spoke to BusinessDay condition of anonymity, said they are not relaxing as yesterday had shown that touts can overrun the place in minutes.
“Since yesterday we have not rested or changed from our uniforms to ensure that citizens and their properties are safe.
He informed that they had to remain vigilant because yesterday by this time, all looked peaceful, but in moments youths were burning tyres and harassing citizens.
An NSCDC female officer who also spoke anonymously to BusinessDay said everywhere looks calm and peaceful, but that is how it was yesterday, until we got called to Sokale where youths were burning tyres, by the time we got there, the youths here at Dutse Alhaji also began.
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Modupe a POS operator who sat at the gate of Dutse Alhaji said she would soon leave, as she expressed fears about what will happen later in the day.
” Today is Friday, so anything from 10-11 they will send us away from here to prepare for the Friday, Jumaat prayers.
At this point it began raining and everyone scampered to shelter.
It is also to be noted that While power was restored yesterday, it was shut down at about 4am , while internet activities remain slow.
The Federal Secretariat in Abuja also remained closed, as security operatives intensifies surveillance around the offices
Eagles Square, a key location for public gatherings, was also empty, as protesters were prevented from entering the place since Thursday
Activity in Abuja’s usually bustling Bureau De Change market at Zone 4 was noticeably reduced, with only a few operators going about their businesses.
In the Nyanya and Karu axis of Abuja, there were no visible signs of the protest.
However, a heavy security presence was noted along the Abuja-Keffi Road, where military personnel set up partial roadblocks.
Despite these security measures, traffic continued to flow smoothly. Banks and supermarkets in these areas remained closed, and market activity was minimal.
Olaleye Wasiu, a taxi driver, commented on the situation, saying, “In Nigeria, it’s survival of the fittest. If you carry government matter on your head, you die for nothing. Just pray for God’s help to connect you with somebody in the government.”
