EndBadGovernance: As the hunger protest begins in Osun, there is heavy security and deserted streets

Just as the end-hunger protest participants started their parade from Freedom Park Area on Thursday morning, most of the streets in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, were empty.

As Punch correspondent moved through the state capital prior to the protesters starting their march, she noticed that stores, parking lots, and other commercial establishments were secured with locks and keys.

There was no traffic on the streets, and security personnel could be seen at key locations throughout the city.

Olaiya, Old Garage, Igbona, and Ayetoro Areas were devoid of the customary early morning hustle and bustle, with few locals observed congregating in groups to converse.

Before the march began, Alfred Adegoke, one of the organizers, spoke to the demonstrators and pleaded with them to keep calm.

“We are here to participate in the protest and we must remain peaceful. Our presence is to send a signal to the leaders in Nigeria that we are not going to take more hardship

“We are here to tell them that we are capable of organising a peaceful protest. Let’s remain peaceful. We are all hungry and angry. People should come out and join us,” Adegoke said.