Security forces have taken control of major highways and streets in the Gwagwalada Council Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following attempts by youths to stage hunger protests.
Early Thursday morning, the youths and protest organizers gathered along the Abuja/Lokoja Highway at the Gwagwalada axis but were prevented from advancing beyond the restricted area at the Tipper Garage.
Our correspondent noted unusually thin vehicle traffic along the roads, a stark contrast to typical working days. The Wazobia Park, usually bustling with motorists heading to southern parts of the country, was nearly deserted.
A few passenger vehicles were present, but the motor park and roads had few commuters. Shop owners along Park Road and Hospital Road opened late, while the road towards the local government secretariat was occupied by a combined team of policemen, Immigration personnel, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officers.
By noon, Gwagwalada remained calm, with soldiers and other security agents overseeing the city and controlling the movement of vehicles and motorcycles. Additionally, members of vigilante groups patrolled the streets on motorbikes, armed with locally made guns and sticks, to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order by protesters.
