The Lagos-Abeokuta expressway was free on Thursday morning from the usual heavy vehicular traffic as the much-touted hardship protest commenced in Lagos State.

The expressway was almost not traversed as a few vehicles were seen on the highway.

The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminals along the corridor, usually brimming with people, were also empty.

The bus stops at Super, Abule Egba, and Iyana-Ipaja Under Bridge were equally deserted on Thursday.

A resident of Ahmadiyya in Abule Egba, Abiola Awoyemi, said many residents stayed away from the roads over fear that the protest could turn violent.

Awoyemi said those who tried to go to their offices and other places could not get vehicles to their various destinations.

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“Everywhere is empty, no vehicle, people are scared to come out. We cannot go anywhere now. Our nation needs prayers,” she said.

She urged the government at all levels to do its best reduce the hardship that prompted the protest.

“The inflation is too high, the fuel price is too high, food is no longer affordable. Our leaders must do something fast to alleviate the sufferings,” Awoyemi added.

Also speaking, a public servant, Bayo Olufemi, stated that the protest affected vehicular movement and commercial activities.

Olufemi, who also visited the BRT terminal at the Super Bus Stop, said it was deserted.

He said: “There are no commercial buses, no private vehicles on the road. Everyone is scared of violence. Even the popular Justrite Mall and Katankwa market are closed.

“As you can see, only policemen are here (Iyana-Ipaja Under Bridge) and few people. The protest might still hold.

“I will advise the government to do its best to alleviate suffering.”

Businesses in Egbeda, Iyana-Ipaja, and Ikotun areas of Lagos State were closed.

There was heavy security around Ikotun Roundabout as some youths were seen in groups discussing the protest.

Banks, filling stations, and organisations in the areas did not open for business in Egbeda and Iyana-Ipana as Armoured Personnel Carriers were stationed at Iyana-Ipaja to check any threat to peace.

The Star