Protesters under the banner of the #TakeItBack Movement staged demonstrations in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country on Wednesday, demanding urgent action on worsening economic hardship, insecurity and inflation.
The protests, tagged the “Festival of the Oppressed,” drew participants who accused the government of failing to adequately address the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
In Lagos, demonstrators gathered in Maryland, chanting slogans and calling for political reforms before security operatives dispersed the crowd. Tear gas was reportedly used to break up the protest as security personnel maintained a heavy presence around the venue.
Among the demands of the protesters were the rescue of Nigerians held captive by bandits and kidnappers, the implementation of a N500,000 national minimum wage, the withdrawal of charges against activist Omoyele Sowore and decisive action against xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Sowore joined demonstrators in Abuja, where protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “Nigeria is bleeding,” “Rescue our people now,” and “Free all political prisoners.”
Addressing journalists, the activist said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to what he described as the need for urgent political change.
“Today, August 5, we have come to remind the whole country that the revolution is necessary and imminent,” Sowore said, while reiterating demands for improved welfare and governance reforms.
The Head of Legal Aid of the #TakeItBack Movement, Bolaji Oluwatosin, condemned the disruption of the demonstrations by security agencies.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organisations called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and arrest Sowore over allegations that his activities threaten national security.
The demand was made during a separate rally in Abuja organised by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, National Chairman of Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance, Collins Eshiofeh, praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration and passed a vote of confidence in both the President and the Director-General of the DSS.
The coalition alleged that Sowore’s activities were capable of destabilising the country, although no evidence was presented to support the claims.
The latest demonstrations highlight growing tensions over economic conditions and governance issues as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
