Suspected thugs have invaded the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, to disrupt the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos State which is in its fifth day.

Protesters at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, one of the two designated grounds approved by the Lagos State High Court, on Saturday, vowed to storm the secretariat on Monday, to seek an audience with the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

One of the protesters in a video alleged that while they were going ahead with their demonstration at the secretariat, they were attacked by thugs with sticks, machetes and other weapons.

The aggrieved protester also alleged that the thugs were assisted by some policemen, thereby making them flee the scene for safety.

The protester said the policemen, “We’re teaming up with thugs. Look at my mouth. I was strangled by the Nigerian Police.  I had to pull out my head. Thugs were using sticks on us. Nigeria Police, aiding them, supporting them. They are working together. No problem. Is this how Nigeria will be good? Later they will say it’s the protesters that are attacking. You can see people running left and right, because they implanted thugs in our midst. My phone is gone.’’

The state police public relations officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to Peoples Gazette’s inquiry on the alleged aiding of thugs by police to disrupt the peaceful protest.

Recall that the command’s spokesperson, on his official X handle on Saturday, urged protesters intending to hit the streets to “be law abiding” and “not test our resolve,” warning that the police would be cautious but very firm.