Nationwide protest: Ijaws youths disperse demonstrators in Bayelsa

Cross River, Warri, Ughelli, others shun protest

Peace in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, was almost breached as Ijaws youths, yesterday, dispersed pockets of protesters who dared their resolve, as well as that of the Niger Deltans by taking part in the ongoing nationwide protest.

Aside from pockets of skirmishes, there was a near zero protest in Yenagoa metropolis at 8:00 a.m. Security agencies were seen stationed at major junctions and roundabouts with socio-economic activities completely shut down. 

People were seen going about their normal businesses, and there was no restriction of movement. Banks, shops and fast the food joints were also closed, while the Swali and Tombia markets operated partially.

The protesters had gathered at the Tombia Roundabout and moved towards Biogbolo Community, in Yenagoa Local Council when Ijaws youths in the area stopped them, asking them to go home as the state government and the ijaw leaders had declared no protest in the state. 

IN Cross River State, residents of Calabar, the state capital, shunned the national protest.  Major markets, stores and artisan shops in Calabar Municipal and Calabar South Local Council, as well as other commercial towns of the state did not open for business early as usual. Traders and youths shun the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.

As early as 6:30 a.m., the movement of commercial buses and tricycles were noticeable on the roads. Traders and artisans were seen being conveyed to their respective markets, stores and shops in the towns.

THE story is similar in Delta State, as major cities and towns, particularly Warri and Ughelli, remained calm, yesterday, as people avoided coming out to protest. However, there were protests in Asaba, the state capital.
 
As early as 6:00 a.m., policemen and soldiers had taken over key locations in Warri where protesters usually gather in the past, especially the Effurun Roundabout, DSC Roundabout and Otowvodo Junction, in Ughelli.
 
Commercial activities were put on hold in both cities as most businesses were shut down due to fear of looting, despite the heavy police presence. Major roads in both cities remained empty as few vehicles were seen.