Prominent lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), his son, afrobeats singer Folarin Falana (Falz), and various civil society and youth groups staged a protest on Friday in Lagos, calling for urgent action to address rising insecurity and worsening economic hardship in Nigeria.
The protest coincided with Democracy Day, commemorating the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as the freest in Nigeria’s history but annulled by the then-military government.
Protesters gathered at the Ikeja Under Bridge, carrying placards with messages such as “No Democracy Without Security”, “End Bad Governance”, “End Insecurity and Kidnapping”, “End Hunger”, and “Free All Captives Now.”
Speaking to the crowd, Femi Falana demanded the immediate release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, expressing deep concern over the welfare of those still in captivity. “We are protesting the kidnapping of our children in Oyo State, injustice to young people arrested on highways, and widespread hunger and poverty,” he said.
Falana lamented the death of one of the abducted teachers and urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of remaining victims.
Also addressing protesters, Falz highlighted the growing insecurity and economic challenges in the country. Citing multiple recent abductions, including students and relatives of public officials in Oyo State, he stressed that “every Nigerian life matters and must be protected at all costs.”
Human rights activist Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as Seaking, called for decisive government action against kidnappers and bandits, emphasizing that rhetoric alone is insufficient to end the insecurity. “We say no to insecurity. Insecurity must end,” he said.
Security operatives maintained a presence throughout the protest to ensure order, monitoring activities closely at the venue.
