David Akachukwu
Keep up with the latest news Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us
On Thursday, heavily armed security forces occupied the ever-busy Oba Ovonranmen Square in Benin City due to the planned June 12, 2025 protest organized by the #TakeltBackMovement in Edo State.
The deployment consisted of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as the Edo State Security Network.
These security operatives positioned themselves at key locations across Oba Ovonranmen Square and nearby areas such as Sapele Road, close to the Benin Correctional Centre. Their objective was to stop the planned demonstration and prevent any disruption to public peace.
The strong security presence at the intended protest site effectively deterred demonstrators from gathering as planned.
Security operatives barricaded the National Museum and Monument in Benin City, which had been selected as the rally point. The museum’s main entrance was locked and guarded.
The protest, which was set to take place in both Benin and Auchi, was aimed at speaking out against hunger, widespread insecurity, economic hardship, the Cybercrime Act, kidnapping, unlawful detentions, and other pressing national concerns.
Hundreds of security officers were stationed at King’s Square and strategic spots like the Edo State House of Assembly. Armored vehicles and other patrol units were also seen across major city roads, with sirens sounding as a show of force and deterrence to any unrest.
In a statement to journalists, Dr. Hafiz Lawal, the Edo State Coordinator of the protest, explained that the demonstration was cancelled due to security-related concerns.
“As you know, there has been a spate of cultism and killing of young ones in the state. There was an interest that came in last night (Wednesday), so we have to call off the strike to avoid any hijack of the protest”, he said.
Dr. Lawal urged young people across the state to remain ready to join future demonstrations, emphasizing the need to speak out collectively against growing insecurity.
He added that plans are underway to reschedule the protest and that the media would be informed once a new date is set.
For further information on sport secret and greatest sport icon click here
According to him, the decision to cancel the protest was not due to external pressure. He also acknowledged the previous cooperation from law enforcement, saying, “The police and the Directorate of State Security have been very supportive in past protests.”
He concluded by appealing to the media and other stakeholders for continued support in the fight against social injustice, hardship, insecurity, and poor governance.
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.
Jonathan Nwokpor
