Commercial activities were grounded in Benin on Wednesday as residents of the ancient city joined other Nigerians in protest against the current hardship in the country.
Major roads – Ekewan Road, Airport Road, Akpakpava Road, Sapele Road, Mission Road, Sokponba Road, etc, all linking to the centre of the city – Ring Road were all deserted while there were blackades on major adjoining streets linking these major roads.
Shops were also under lock and key on these major roads when our correspondent moved around.
At the centre of the city popularly called Ring Road, a large number of the peaceful protesters were seen dancing to revolutionary songs supplied by various up-and-coming artistes.
At the Ring Road, the physically challenged were also there to entertain the protesters with a football match as the ever-busy Road was turned to football pitch.
Speaking to Info Daily, a human rights activist and member of Edo Civil Society Organisations, Leftist Osaze Edigin, said there was total compliance in the metropolis, adding “so far, so good it has been peaceful.”
Protesters being entertained at Oba Square (Ring Road) by an up-and-coming artiste today, August 1st, 2024
He said in obedience with the police directive, there were no processions in the city, adding that they only gathered in strategic locations to express their grievances.
“The protest has been peaceful in major places we visited. There has not report of violence from any quarters,” he added.
When asked if any report of intimidation and extortion, Edigin said: “Though there are blockades in some junctions, but vehicles were allowed passage without intimidation or extortion except an unconfirmed incident of attack on a PoS attendant at Upper Sokponba.”