The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and some other security agencies, on Saturday, cordoned Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos to prevent the planned rally of Oodua Republic agitators from taking place.
As early as 7 a.m., more than 30 patrol vehicles belonging to the Police, the DSS, TASKFORCE and OP MESA (military) were parked around the park.
But despite this security presence, hundreds of Yoruba Nation agitators stormed the venue, shouting ‘We want Oodua Nation’, ‘Fulani killers, leave our land, stop killing us’.
Some of them were dressed in a Yoruba traditional group outfit.
Many of the agitators were also seen with banners, expressing their determination for an Oodua Nation.
The service lane of the Ojota-Ikorodu road was blocked by some of the security vehicles, forcing commercial vehicles coming from Ketu to Maryland to take the expressway.
The agitators went to the security agents to tell them “we are for peace”.
“We want to tell you that we are peaceful. We don’t want any crisis. We only want Yoruba Republic because of injustice in Nigeria by the Fulani”.
Heavy security presence was also observed at Maryland.
Tear gas and water spray were later used against some of the protesters.
On Friday, the police and other security agencies embarked on a show of force to warn the agitators.
Spokesman for the Lagos Police Command, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the show of force was to confirm their preparedness and commitment to the protection of lives and property of residents in Lagos State.
“A warning signal to the organisers of the said mega rally or any group of persons planning to stage any rally or procession in the state despite the warnings issued during the joint press briefing by the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, on Thursday.
“The command and the government of Lagos State has warned the organisers of the planned Oodua Republic Mega Rally, scheduled for Saturday, July 3, at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos, to steer clear of Lagos State, considering available intelligence reports on the planned rally and to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“The command and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and Department of State Services have, however, put measures in place to prevent any act of lawlessness, oppression and intimidation of any kind in the state,” he said.
