By James Moses (9News Nigeria-Jos)
The EndBadGovernance# protest which took place on Thursday, August 01, 2024 in Jos witnessed low turn out as members of the public went about their lawful activities.
9News Nigeria correspodent who visited the popular Old Airport Junction in Jos at about 11:45am on Thursday observed that only a handful y protesters were seen at the the venue, being coordinated by some notable activists.
Also at a major streets in Jos, the capital city of Plateau, markets and shops remain shut, while major roads deserted, with commuters trekking to their destinations due to non-availability of commercial vehicles to stern the tide of possible violence.
Policemen were seen mounting stop and search operations by the Ahmadu Bello Way, the Central Business District of the State.
However, at the Rayfield axis, of Jos South local government area, the atmosphere revealed that the much anticipated protest has also turnout to be sit at home as shops remain shut.
At the Angwan Rukuba, Tina Junction of Jos North local government, 9News Nigeria correspondent observed that there were free and unhindered movement of persons around the area with no sign of protesters.
At Abattoir, a suburb in Jos North local government council, it was business as usual as citizens were seen going about their normal businesses.
The Terminus market which harbours alot of influx of people from different locations was a shadow of itself with only shop owners mostly hanging around their stores and security personnel were seen deployed to strategic flash points to ensure law and order.
A citizen of Angwan Rogo, Abdullahi Khalid who spoke to 9News Nigeria said:
“We had to stay indoors and not participate in any protest out of respect to our religious and traditional rulers.
“We have been cautioned by our leaders including State Government, we are hopeful that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would tackle the challenges confronting Nigerians soon”.
Also at Abattoir, a suburb, Mr Felix Bok urge the federal government to do everything possible to tackle the hardship in the land, stressing that he would not be going out for the protest.
It could be recalled that Plateau State Government had appealed to Nigerians and promoters of the nationwide protest to shelve their plans in the interest of the nation.
The Secretary of the Government of Plateau, Arch. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, who represented Governor Mutfwang held a meeting with Youths in Jos had appealed to Plateau Youths to have a rethink by not proceeding on the planned nationwide protest.
Jatau appreciate the Youths for the massive support given to the state government, saying he was aware of the hardships being faced by the people which have made the governor show his deliberate efforts to alleviate the suffering masses.
“Governor Mutfwang is a sensitive and responsive person who will continue to do his best to alleviate the sufferings of the people”
According to him, there are numerous interventions being put in place to ease the problems.
He pleaded with the Youths to consider the fragile peace being enjoyed in the state and ensure they have a rethink on the proposed nationwide protest for the sake of peace and prosperity of the nation.
-9News Nigeria.
