#June12thProtest: Police Teargas Protesters In Lagos, Protect Citizens in Ibadan
June 12 protests are happening across Nigeria, with different treatment being experienced by protesters in Southwest.
Police officers in Lagos State Saturday morning, June 12, 2021 fired teargas canisters at protesters who gathered at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria to protest against government’s mismanagement.
The protesters had arrived in a group chanting protest songs and holding different placards with description like “Buhari must go,” “End state sponsored terrorism,” “revert oil and gas price now.”
The protesters utilised Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration to register their grievances with the government and demand for good governance.
However, police in Lagos have fired teargas canisters and shot into the air to disperse the protesters.
Protesters have been seen in different clips running into the streets seeking safety, while police officers ran after them in an attempt to arrest some.
Arrests
Earlier, Adeola Oladipupo, a journalist with Foundation for Investigative Journalism(FIJ) was arrested by the police.
Also, his colleague, Gabriel Ogunjobi, a reporter with the organisation was forced to hide inside a toilet to avoid being arrested by the Police, who were reportedly violent towards protesters and journalists covering the June 12 protests.
Some of the protesters that were arrested were later released by the police.
However, the protesters have regrouped and continued with peaceful demonstration.
They were later dispersed by a group of transport workers with sticks and other objects.
HumAngle observed that more police officers were being deployed to the venue of the protest.
Governor Joins Protesters In Ibadan
Like Lagos and Abuja, the protests also took place in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital, Southwest Nigeria.
In Ibadan, protesters gathered at the popular Mokola roundabout, demanding an end to bad governance in the country.
Police officers, soldiers and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were present at the protest ground.
Meanwhile, the Police Command in Oyo State on Saturday told residents to go about their lawful businesses.
The Punch newspaper reported that Adewale Osifeso, the command spokesperson, said adequate security had been provided by the police and sister agencies to ensure citizens’ protection.
Also, Seyi MakInde, Oyo State Governor, was at the venue of the protests to address the youth.
Protesters in Ibadan
Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde arrives at the protest ground.
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