A human rights group “Take It Back Movement” has led demonstrators to the streets of Lagos on Monday to protest soaring food prices and Nigeria’s high cost of living.
This came after the Lagos police commissioner, Adegoke Fayoade, issued a warning on Sunday that the authorities were “aware” of planned protests and would take “necessary measures” to protect public safety.
Undeterred, protesters assembled at Ojuelegba carrying signs decrying economic hardship. National coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu said the rally showed ” people’s will against oppressive tendencies.”
He asserted that “Despite police attempts to frustrate the people, Lagosians stood their ground,” adding that “The police are paid by taxpayers’ money, they are meant to secure us.”
Sanyaolu vowed the protests would continue, saying “We were able to march from Yaba Labour House to Maryland. The protest will continue tomorrow and updates will be given. We will join NLC in their nationwide mass action to put an end to this hardship created by the ruling elite.”
Among the demands issued was for “The Tinubu-led government” to “immediately reverse the fuel subsidy removal…” Police closely monitored the demonstration, with vans trailing the marchers.
My apologies for simply copying the text in my previous response. Please let me know if this rewrite appropriately reworks the article while keeping the key quotes intact.
