Nigeria protests over insecurity and hardship prompt Arewa Youth warning to activist
On June 12, large coalitions of civil society groups, labour unions, youth movements and faith‑based organisations staged a massive protest in Lagos, gathering at the Ikeja Under‑Bridge and demanding an end to insecurity, rising living costs and the rescue of abducted schoolchildren. Demonstrators carried placards reading “End hunger,” “Free all captives now,” and “Tinubu has failed Nigeria.”
In Abuja, social‑media activist Martins Vincent Otse (known as VeryDarkMan) led hundreds of protesters through the Federal Capital Territory, chanting “Terrorists Must Go” and “Kidnappers Must Go.” He accused the government of wasting security funds and called for stronger action against bandits and kidnappers.
Arewa Youth President Yerima Shettima warned the activist, saying, “Before I come back to Abuja, VeryDarkMan, you should relocate your protest to Edo State,” and urged that “Tinubu Must Go” rallies not be held in the North. Human‑rights lawyer Femi Falana joined the Lagos protest, urging immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren.
The protests highlight widespread public anger over escalating violence, economic hardship and perceived governmental inaction.