Hunger protest: Fear grips Lagos residents as banks, eateries, petrol stations shut

As the nationwide protest kicked off on Thursday, August 1, socioeconomic activities in Lagos have been paralyzed as roads and streets are eerily empty.

Heavily armed security forces have taken up tactical positions throughout the megacity, keeping a watchful eye.

Special security personnel, tagged CP Tactical Squad, Lagos State Police Command, are stationed at Egbeda Bus Stop to monitor developments.

The ever-bustling streets of Lagos are unusually quiet, with only a few commercial buses, known as Danfos, plying the roads.

The normally busy Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminals are empty of the usual throng of buses and commuters.

Brave passengers who ventured out were forced to scramble for seats on the available Danfos, as the city’s transportation network remains largely paralyzed.

There were several banks, restaurants, petrol and gas stations, superstores, and other commercial establishments under lock and key.

Groups of unruly individuals were spotted on major roads such as Ikotun, Egbeda, Dopemu, Ikeja, and Ojota, loitering and engaging in revelry, consuming alcohol, and smoking.

There was no indication of an imminent protest at 7:30 a.m., with no demonstrators in sight.

A police helicopter was seen conducting aerial surveillance over the city, scanning the metropolis from above.

Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), vans, and other tactical vehicles were positioned at key locations, including Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and Peace Park in the Ojota area, as part of a visible show of security force presence.