By Milcah Tanimu
As members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) gathered in Benin City to protest the escalating cost of living, security operatives were deployed to various public institutions to preempt any potential hijacking or violence by hoodlums.
Reports indicate a visible presence of the Nigerian Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Edo State Security Networks (ESSN) across key locations. Notably, the Ekehuan campus and Ugbowo main Campus of the University of Benin, as well as the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), were among the institutions under heightened security.
The University entrances were guarded by personnel from the Nigeria Police and Edo State Security Network, while the Nigerian Army maintained vigilance at the gates of the Nigerian Correctional Service facility.
Furthermore, police personnel were stationed at the Nigerian National Museum, the proposed starting point of the protest, and at the entrance of the Edo State House of Assembly. This strategic deployment aimed to preempt any potential disturbances by unruly elements.
This precautionary measure follows the traumatic events of the 2020 EndSARS protests, during which the Nigerian Correctional Service in Benin was attacked, resulting in a mass jailbreak. Numerous public and private properties were also vandalized and looted during the unrest.
Meanwhile, members of the NLC and affiliated groups voiced their grievances through peaceful demonstrations, marching through significant city areas to express their demands to the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki. Their placards reflected a range of concerns, from economic hardships to social justice issues.
Addressing the demonstrators, Odion Olaye, the Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, emphasized the need for the federal government to address the economic challenges facing Nigerians. He urged for peaceful protests, cautioning against any attempts by troublemakers to hijack the movement.
In response, Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, received the protesters on behalf of Governor Obaseki, commending their peaceful conduct. Nehikhare reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing economic issues, citing recent engagements with market women and traders to mitigate the high cost of food in the state.