A protester in Lagos has alleged that a thug threatened to behead her for taking part in the hunger protest.
The hunger protest which began on August 1 in different parts of the country has continued to generate mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Although there were pockets of violence in some parts of the country, the protest has been relatively peaceful in some other parts of the country.
While speaking to the newsmen, the Lagos protester who identified herself as Zikora Ibeh said that they had gathered at the protest ground as early as 7 am, and were trying to organize themselves for the day’s protest, when they saw the thugs approaching them.
In the video which was shared by Vanguard on Friday, she said that the thugs were about 20 in number, and that one of the thugs particularly walked up to her and told her that he’s going to behead her.
She said that the protest in Lagos has been peaceful, and that even the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state Commissioner of Police confirmed yesterday that the protest was peaceful.
She urged the security agencies to provide adequate security to the protesters because peaceful protest is a fundamental right of the citizens.
She said, “It’s quite unfortunate. Protesters gathered here as early as 7 am, and have continued to organize themselves up till now. But sadly, a few minutes ago, we saw thugs, about 20 of them, walk majestically past the police vans with the police looking at them, and watching them trying to infiltrate the crowd.
“In fact, I had one (of the thugs) tell me specifically that he’s going to behead me… So, I want it to be on record that the Nigeria Police is on this ground. The Nigeria Police whose obligation is to offer security to Nigerians and protesters who are just exercising their civic rights to engage their government are on ground.”
Speaking about the conduct of the protest, she said, “Even the Governor and the Commissioner of Police yesterday attested to the fact that Lagos protest has been peaceful. The organizers, the people, have conducted themselves very civilly.
“What the police can do is to complement their efforts, act with conscience, and prevent this movement from getting hijacked by people who don’t want this country to be better.”
On Thursday, Nigerians from different parts of the country had stormed the streets to protest against hunger and economic hardship in the country….Sêe_Morē