Thousands of Nigerians took to the streets in several cities across the country on Thursday as the nation commemorated June 12 Democracy Day.
The demonstrations were organized by various civil society groups and activists who used the occasion to draw attention to concerns over insecurity, governance, and the rising cost of living. Protesters gathered in locations including Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan including other major cities, carrying placards. While chanting slogans calling for the release of the abducted 39 school children and seven teachers in Oyo State on May 15.
Recall that Nigerian social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan has earlier led a group of youths in a massive protest in Abuja on Thursday.
The demonstration involves protesters calling for political change while expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration. VeryDarkMan organized the Ratel movement protest following his return from China with crowds marching from the airport to Nigeria Airforce base.
In a video circulating online, the protesters were seen waving placards with various inscriptions; “Tinubu must go”, “Tinubu failed Nigeria, bring back our children”, and many more.
The rally highlighted the frustration over the May 15 abduction of 39 school children and seven teachers in Oyo State. In the clip, VeryDarkMan criticized the government for rehabilitating captured terrorists and called for the suspension of the current administration.
Femi Falana (SAN) and Son, Falz joined Lagos protest
Prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana, alongside his son, Nigerian rapper Falz, joined other residents of Lagos in a protest on Democracy Day to express concerns over insecurity and other national challenges.
The demonstrators marched through parts of Lagos, calling on authorities to take stronger measures to address the country’s security situation and improve the welfare of citizens. The protest formed part of activities marking the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, with participants using the occasion to advocate for greater accountability and responsive governance.
Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans highlighting concerns about insecurity, economic hardship, and the need for policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. The demonstration remained peaceful as participants voiced their demands for urgent action from the government.
Doris Ogala leds protest in Abia state
AAC Governorship Candidate, Doris Ogala also led a protest today in Abia state, calling for urgent action to address insecurity across Nigeria. While demanding intensified efforts to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
According to supporters of the demonstration, the protest aims to draw attention to the growing security challenges facing the country, particularly incidents of kidnapping and attacks on educational institutions. Organizers say the rally will also serve as a platform to urge authorities to strengthen measures to protect lives and property.
While government officials and political leaders marked the occasion with speeches highlighting democratic progress. Many protesters argued that citizens continue to face significant challenges that require urgent attention.
Organizers described the demonstrations as peaceful and aimed at amplifying the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
The protests unfolded amid ongoing national conversations about insecurity most especially, the Oyo State School abduction. While highlighting the diverse views surrounding the state of the nation’s security for some time now.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
