Published 2nd Aug, 2024

By Daniel Ojukwu

Security operatives deployed to monitor and protect #EndBadGovernance protesters in the Ojota area of Lagos State have been spotted scrambling with protesters for free food packs on Tuesday.

The protest entered its second day.

FIJ observed that a private 14-seater white bus parked at the waste truck garage close to the Freedom Park, venue of the protest, drew the attention of protesters.

Protesters and security personnel being attended to by the food handlers.

In a jiffy, protesters ran to the bus. Then, a man in white clothing coordinated two other men in the bus to distribute the meals to the protesters.

The protesters were immediately joined by security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps (LSNC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

As more people rushed to the bus, the situation became chaotic.

A policeman resisting our reporter from filming the scene.

Immediately an FIJ reporter began filming the scene, the security operatives became resistant and attempted to seize his device.

The meals, packed in small white nylons, had bottles of water and drinks as complements.

FIJ could not confirm who sponsored the food distribution and the identities of the men who drove bus. However, one of them spoke with our reporter. He told FIJ that he works for someone known as “The Chef” and they were sent to bring food to distribute there.

Security personnel running to the bus.

When asked if the food was exclusively for police, he said, “No, anyone can collect. It is for everybody. Our boss did not give any specific instructions.”

In a brief interview, a policeman told our reporter he was driven by hunger to queue for feast.

“I am hungry. If you also want food, just talk to us. You can also collect a pack,” the officer said.

LSNC officers returning with food packs.

While trying to confirm whether the food was sponsored by and exclusively meant for the police, the policeman said, “No, someone just brought the food, and we decided to queue here for it. Anybody can join the queue. You, too, can join. Boys in the neighborhood are here; other personnel from other security agencies are here, too.”

RED ALSO: Police Mount Barriacdes, Bar Protesters From Enetering Alausa Secretariat

“You don’t need to write anything, just consider that we are also your brothers and we have to eat.”

As the security operatives had their share of the meals, they returned to their vehicles.

Share on Social Media