Security operatives in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, have taken over the roads in the suburbs and adjourning villages as palpable fears of the hunger protests took over the territory and its environs.
The security operatives who mounted checks at places identified as flashpoints also trooped out in their hundreds, armed to the teeth, marching and singing to create awareness for the public to realize they are equal to the task.
Also making their presence visible, the operatives comprising the military, police, Civil Defence, Road Safety, VIO and several others caused heavy traffic along Nyanya Karishi road that forced the motorists to pull off the roads and waited for some while to avoid any sort of clash ahead the protests.
A resident, Abu Baba, who spoke with The Point on Sunday, said he was not surprised with the number of security operatives on the roads considering the noise the impending protest has generated.
“When I was going to church this morning, the roads were very free, there was no sign of any security official but as we were coming back from church, the situation changed. The security officials took over the roads. You can see us (motorists) parked or go one way to avoid a collision. Before you know it they will claim we blocked them and one thing will lead to the other. So, as we parked, they were singing and dancing while occupying one side of the road.
“I’m not surprised that this number of security men will be on the roads because the noise the protest has generated in the airwaves and pages of newspapers shows that it’s a serious matter.”
Another resident of the territory, Musa Musa, said what the security operatives were doing was to intimidate the people so that they would not come out to protest.
Musa wondered why the government was afraid of protest when President Bola Tinubu is a much known figure in protests.
“Why is President Tinubu afraid of protests? He was a ring leader of protests so now that he is the president why doesn’t he want people to protest?”
Musa said he has nothing to do with the protest because whether Nigerians protest or not the politicians do not care.
“Why should I join the protest? It’s not because I am not suffering like others. We are all suffering. But will the protest change anything? No. This government doesn’t care. The politicians don’t care. They’re only interested in themselves and their families. If we protest or not, the hardship will still be there. This is why I am not protesting but I support it totally.”
