Hardship protest: Security beef up across major roads leading to Abuja

Officers from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed to key entry points leading to Abuja on Wednesday.

This action comes just 18 hours before the start of a 10-day nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernance, organised by various groups to address hunger and hardship faced by citizens across the country.

The nationwide protest is scheduled to commence on Thursday, August 1, and run through Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, observed that armed security personnel were stationed at strategic locations such as Zuma Rock along the Abuja-Kaduna road and Madalla/Dakwa junction.

Additionally, at the Zuba-Deidei axis of Abuja, Nigerian Army personnel were seen conducting similar security operations to prevent potential threats.

Meanwhile, security personnel were also patrolling major neighbourhoods, including Suleja in Niger State.

Notably, hawkers selling consumable items like boiled corn and biscuits were seen at security checkpoints, catering to the needs of the public in the midst of heightened security.

Amidst ongoing socio-economic challenges, including severe fuel scarcity, motorists and commuters are facing significant difficulties.

Many public servants, traders, and self-employed individuals are struggling as major petrol stations have shut down operations. Some drivers have resorted to buying fuel from black marketers to reach their destinations.

Residents of Abuja, particularly along the Zuba-Abuja axis, were observed waiting at bus stops for commercial and private vehicles, as the number of available vehicles on major roads has significantly decreased.

The price of a litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has soared to between N1,000 and N1,300, compared to the approved price of N617 per litre.

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