Most southern state has returned to more states yesterday as the protests against the rising cost of living dissipated.
With protesters in Akwa Ibom, Osun and Edo states backing down, virtually all 17 states in the South, except Rivers, have abandoned the protest.
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also had a breather yesterday. Life returned to normal in most parts.
Lagos, the nation’s commercial city, returned to its boisterous self after protesters abandoned the Gani Fawhinmi Freedom Park, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broadcast on Saturday.
In states such as Oyo, Ogun and Delta, the protest was not noticeable yesterday.
Ondo, Ekiti, the Southeast states of Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo remained peaceful.
Niger and Nasarawa have remained calm since the weekend.
Benue youths never joined the protest and were commended by Governor Hycienth Alia.
The 24-hour curfew imposed on Katsina and Kano states was relaxed following a gradual return to peace.
In Abuja, the presence of security operatives at the protest location – the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and other public places – was still noticeable yesterday even after the demonstrators had been dispersed.
A drive around the city showed that people went about their normal businesses, unlike the previous days.
The Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos was deserted yesterday and business boomed across the sprawling former nation’s capital.
Commercial and government activities picked up in Benin, the state capital.
The state secretariat opened for the first time in the past six days while shop owners displayed their goods with enthusiasm.
Security agencies cleared roadblocks on Monday in strategic areas of the city, thus giving motorists and other residents the confidence to move without fear.
The protest grounds in the state capital were also empty.
Governor Umo Eno praised the youth for distancing themselves from the protest and choosing peace.
To reciprocate their gesture, Eno said his administration would launch a social welfare programme to provide monthly support to about 5,000 youths.
