Police commissioner Adegoke Fayoade said the Lagos command provided water and biscuits for protesters to prevent anyone from collapsing on the way.

Mr Fayoade disclosed this in Lagos on the sidelines of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) nationwide hunger protest on Tuesday.

He said the journey was a long distance for protesters trekking, coupled with the hot weather, hence the need for at least water and biscuits to give the participants strength for a successful protest.

“I provided water and biscuits because I don’t want anyone to collapse on the way. We have to use water to strengthen everybody. That is the least we could do,” he said.

Many protesters were rushing for the refreshments being distributed from patrol vehicles by police personnel on the way.

Mr Fayoade, who described the protest as peaceful, said no one was arrested for any violations during the protest.

“The protest went on as agreed with the NLC leadership. We promised them protection and we provided such from the beginning to the end. The same protection will be provided on Wednesday and I will be part of the operation,” the police chief in Lagos said.

The police boss added that the command remained committed to protecting lives and properties in Lagos.

He urged the residents to support the police and other security agencies by providing timely information on crimes.

NLC had slated protests for Tuesday and Wednesday across the country over the high cost of living.

The labour claimed that the hardship on the land followed the hike in the prices of goods and services, consequently resulting in petrol subsidy removal and the free fall of the naira. 

(NAN)