Protesters, Thursday, shouted down the Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, who arrived at the Eagles Square in Abuja to address the protesters.

As the minister tried to address the crowd, the protesters continued to chant “hunger dey”, preventing the minister from speaking.

However, after quelling the crowd, the minister said he wasn’t attempting to shut down the protest, describing himself as a comrade who had attended between a hundred and five hundred protests.

“I’m not here to fight you, I’m not here to ask you not to protest, it is your right. Like I said, I’ve been to over 100-500 protests,” he said.

The minister also assured that he would address the police regarding the shooting of canisters against the protesters.

Meanwhile, protesters have insisted they would not join the others at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, noting that a few days ago, a parallel protest had been held without interference by the police.

Security operatives had earlier in the morning shot canisters after first firing warning non-lethal shots at the ground.

Following the warning shots, an angry protester confronted the police officers, holding up a baby and daring the officers to shoot.

Things quickly escalated as other protesters joined her, confronting the officers and daring them to shoot.

In response, the police fired pepper spray, immediately followed by teargas canisters to disperse the protesters.

 

Despite initial attempts at dialogue, the tear gas aimed at dispersing the crowd was resisted, as they continue to sing, waving flags, and holding placards.

Undeterred by the tear gas, they continued their demonstration, exercising their right to peaceful assembly and expression.

Meanwhile, another group of protesters gathered at the designated stadium, maintaining a peaceful and resolute stance.

The dual protests highlight the ongoing public discontent and the people's determination to make their voices heard.