Police dare Nigerian students as armed officers take over Third Mainland Bridge to prevent another protest

The Lagos State Police Command has deployed officers to the Third Mainland Bridge to prevent another protest over the lingering ASUU strike.

The operatives, led by DPO of Adeniji Adele, CSP Lanre Edegbai, are keeping watch at both ends of the bridge days after the Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) blocked Airport Road in Ikeja to protest the strike.

“We will not allow any person or group of persons deprive Lagosians of their Right to Freedom of Movement.

“Everyone’s rights must be respected!” Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said as he shared photos of officers on Third Mainland Bridge today, September 21.

BBC reporter Osasu Obayiuwana responded to Hundeyin’s tweet, writing: “The #Nigerian state, particularly @PoliceNG, is very good at suppressing protests involving people that have no weapons. But when it comes to confronting armed groups, they don’t seem to be as forceful and ‘courageous’.”

Hundeyin replied: “I hope you one day get caught up in traffic caused by protest & miss your flight/appointment/interview. Ambulances too get stuck. I would love to hear you castigate the police for allowing some people hold an entire road or area to ransom. Fortunately for you, we won’t allow it.”

Hundeyin added in another tweet: “Protest by all means. It’s very fine. Just don’t step on other people’s right to freedom of movement. Don’t block the roads. Move in an orderly procession. Students protested PEACEFULLY at UNILAG recently. We were on ground and never interfered.”