Armed Nigeria Police officers manning the Lekki Tollgate Plaza are already arresting protesters who arrived early at the Lekki tollgate, Lagos.
A popular comedian, Mr Macaroni, is one of those reported to have been arrested.
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The protest, tagged #OccupyLekkiTollGate was scheduled for Saturday morning, following the decision of the Lagos Judicial Panel to return control of the tollgate to its owners, the Lekki Concession Company.
Another group of protesters, under the aegis #DefendLagos, also planned to gather at the tollgate on Saturday to counter those protesting against the resumption of tolling.
In order to forestall violence, the police and governments at the state and federal level have warned both groups to suspend the protests.
However, there is widespread condemnation of the Police clampdown on Twitter, with a number of citizens berating the Police for arresting protesters.
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Below are some of the reactions of Nigerians on Twitter:
Charly Boy Area Fada 1
@AreaFada1
I know these animals have turned Nigeria into a Jungle.
But peaceful protest is still our human right. Animals can’t dash us human right.
Say no to #lekkitollgate reopening.
Stephanie Busari
@StephanieBusari
Police are clamping down heavily on the few protesters that turned up. We saw some beaten with sticks and their posters confiscated. One young man who said he was an observer was taken away in a Black Maria. #Lekkitollgate
Tiwallewa
@tiwallewa
They arrested the DJ and put them in black Maria See-no-evil monkey#Lekkitollgate #EndSARS #OccupyLekkiTollGate
20.10.20
@Blackdotmandy
The lawlessness in this country stinks, see how actively they are arresting protesters and beating them at #Lekkitollgate and when you need them to actually secure the state they can’t #EndSARS
DukeOfRedondo
@HonchoMarvy
This is what is going on atm at lekki toll gate. Police are beating and arresting unarmed protesters. #Lekkitollgate
By Abel Ejikeme
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