Independence Day: Police Clash With Protesters, Seize Vehicle In Osun

…We’ll continue the struggle, protesters vow

Detectives of the Osun State Police Command allegedly attempted to stop protesters from demonstrating against the economic hardship currently being experienced across the nation on Wednesday.

The armed police officers seized the protesters’ vehicle while attempting to disperse them in Osogbo, the state capital.

Speaking at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondent Chapel yesterday, the National President of the Take It Back movement, Oguntola Sunday, expressed his dissatisfaction over the illegal seizure of their vehicle, despite the peaceful nature of the protest.

“The Nigerian Police Force arrived in large numbers and mobilised to prevent us from holding the protest. They even hijacked the vehicle we rented for sound, including our speakers and DJ, claiming we didn’t inform them about the protest in advance.

“We made it clear to them that we do not need the permission of the Nigerian Police Force to hold a peaceful protest and assembly. So, we told them that while they may hijack our vehicle, they cannot stop us from protesting,” he said.

He also added that the protest would continue until the voices of the masses are heard and the hardship caused by Tinubu’s administration is addressed.

“We cannot say how long the protest will last. As long as Tinubu continues to impose suffering on the masses, we will remain on the streets. If it takes him a year to listen to us, we will stay on the streets for a year. If it takes 10 years, we will still be here.

“Our meeting point will continue to be Freedom Park. We will be there as early as 7 a.m. to continue our protest, marching from Freedom Park to Olaiya daily. That’s our movement, and if there’s any need for change, we’ll communicate it.”

“We will continue the struggle until the government becomes responsive to the plight of Nigerians, who are suffering due to the removal of the subsidy.”