Despite President Bola Tinubu's nationwide appeal for calm, protests in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have escalated massively.
The demonstrations, primarily driven by anger over hunger and the high cost of living, took a dramatic turn as protesters began issuing threats to local residents, shop owners, and motorists.
The protests, which have been ongoing for five days, saw a small but vocal group, including children, take to the streets of Aggrey Road and Station Road. Some protesters donned quirky costumes and brandished tree branches while chanting anti-government slogans.
Tensions rose when demonstrators started threatening that from Tuesday, those who do not join their cause should remain indoors. One protester declared, "Tomorrow, park your vehicles and close your shop, and come and join us. Tomorrow there will be no shops. You will see what will happen tomorrow."
The crowd has also voiced demands for removing key federal officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Additionally, they have called for Tantita, a surveillance company overseeing oil and gas facilities in the region, to cease operations.
Amidst the chaos, some motorists queued at an NNPC filling station joined the protesters in solidarity. Police officers were seen monitoring the situation closely. Similar demonstrations have been reported at Eastern Bypass and Aba Road, indicating broader unrest in the region.
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