On Friday, security was significantly increased in the Benin metropolis, particularly around government buildings as the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest entered its second day.
Reports indicate that Nigerian Army personnel, police, and Civil Defence officers were strategically positioned at various locations in the city center and at the protest venue in Kings Square.
Numerous Nigerian Army vehicles and armed police officers were observed patrolling main streets, with a noticeable presence on Sakponba Road and other key thoroughfares.
Armoured personnel carriers from the army and police were stationed at Akpakpava Road near the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Edo State House of Assembly.
Soldiers also cleared barricades on Sapele Road that had been set up by youths at multiple points, while police removed barriers at Ramat Park on Auchi Bypass Road.
There were reports of police dispersing some youths with teargas at Benin-Auchi bypass, while youths blocked Ekenwa Road, a busy thoroughfare.
In contrast, there was significant traffic movement in the Government Reservation Area where motorists utilized the space to access remote areas of Sapele Road.
Some travelers coming into Benin from other states were halted at Auchi bypass, prompting some to hire commercial motorcyclists to continue their journey instead of waiting for buses and taxis.
Commercial activities started resuming gradually compared to the previous day when many businesses remained closed. While banks remained shut, some filling stations were open for business.
Activity in the bustling Oba market, Lagos Street, Ibiwe Street, and surrounding streets near Kings Square began to pick up.
Despite heavy rain, protesters persisted in participating in the demonstration.
Kola Edokpayi, a leader of the coalition of civil society organizations coordinating the protest in the state, stated that the protest was progressing smoothly. He mentioned that residents from Ogida, Upper Sakponba, and other areas of the state had joined in to ensure the protest’s peaceful continuation.