As the country marks Democracy Day, most residents of Lagos have been reported to have stayed indoors with most business owners shutting down their shops.
Reports say busy business areas Ikeja, Ojota, Maryland, Anthony, Iyana Ipaja among other suburbs were grounded on Saturday morning.
KAFTAN Post was on the streets of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government to assess the level of observance. At the College Road axis of the area, shops were visibly locked with only a few hawkers seen with food items and local gin.
Habib is a tricycle (Keke) driver, who says he has warned his wife to stay indoors all through today as he heard that there will be ‘war’.
“I closed from work yesterday very early because I stay very far from Lagos city. People in my area told me there will be war in Nigeria.
“I had to instruct my wife who sells provisions at Agege market to remain at home to be safe. I just came outside to hustle for three trips (referring to their circle of shuttles between routes) a bit but I am watching incase of any sign I will park and hide my head,” Habib concluded.
Another respondent at the Fagba end of the area clutching a football introduced himself as Rotimi Adebowale, a POS agent.
According to him, he wouldn’t dare risk his life opening shop as what he heard from people signals likely clash today.
He said “I am a POS agent at Fagba but didn’t open today. I am going to join my friends as we agreed to play football today. My experience over the years has shown me to be careful with rumours in Nigeria.
“My wife is pregnant with my first child and I cannot afford to lose my life now or anytime soon,” Rotimi added while quickly bouncing his ball and hopping away.
The views by the respondents were visible as the popular Fagba spare parts market was under lock and key with a few people suspected to be security men hanging around the plaza.
Further into the Obawole end of the area, the Ndike Market notable for early morning sales of local fresh produce was deserted with only goats seen scavenging the heaped dumpsites.
Information gathered from KAFTAN Post was that market associations in the area had informed their members that in the likelihood of clashes between pro-Buhari loyalists in the area and protesters, the markets will be easy targets for lootings.
The survey around town for the situation in the business atmosphere is still ongoing even as the clock ticks away deeper into June 12.
