As Nigerians observed the nationwide protest on Thursday, PUNCH Metro reports that passengers abandoned numerous motor parks in Lagos and Ogun states.
Our correspondent, who visited motor parks in Akute, Alagbole, and Ojodu-Berger, reports that commercial buses were in large numbers while drivers anxiously waited for passengers to arrive.
“It was yesterday that I heard that there would be a protest today. I cannot cancel my appointment for it,” a motorist identified only as Sola said.
Roadside vendors were seen operating openly, while motorists sat idly in the shaded areas of the parking lots.
The #EndHungerProtest organisers stated that the nationwide demonstration aimed to urge the government to change certain policies that were causing the public significant financial hardship.
When PUNCH Metro visited roadside stores and commercial banks along Akute-Alogbole Road on Thursday morning, nearly all were locked up by around 11:30 am.
Our correspondent observed a similar scene in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos State. Except for a newsstand where people gathered to read daily newspapers, retail stores along the roadways were closed, and commercial buses filled the motor park without passengers.
No police officers were in sight, and commercial institutions in Ojodu, such as First Bank, Union Bank, and Access Bank, were also closed for business.
A small group of roadside vendors loitered around the market grounds, waiting for potential customers to arrive.
“People are afraid to come out because they thought there was going to be violence,” a commercial driver identified as Saka said.
He added, “They (passengers) will come out before evening.”
According to the organisers, the nationwide protest, themed “Days of Rage,” is expected to run until August 10.
