While #EndBadGovernance protesters in Lagos trooped to the streets on Thursday morning, public places were deserted and traders recorded low sales.

From visits to different parts of the state, such as Berger to Ketu, Maryland, Yaba, Ojelegba, Oshodi and Ikeja Along, FIJ observed that Lagos, usually a beehive of activities, was unusually empty as protesters converged on Ojota.

The protesters, who have vowed to remain outside from August 1 through August 10, are demanding an end to bad governance, high cost of living, insecurity and hunger, among others.

FIJ understands that the emptiness of the streets, locked markets and shops, and the low patronage recorded by business owners, was occasioned by the ongoing protest.

Some commercial drivers also revealed that the low, empty roads stemmed from the fact that people were either scared of coming out in case the protest turned violent or had gone to join the protesters in Ojota.

In Yaba, Anthony, a young man who works with a private company, told FIJ that many companies instructed employees to work from home due to the protest.

He also said that many markets and shops were not open for security purposes, especially to avoid looting should the protest be hijacked.

“I am interested in the protest, but I work in a private company, and we must seek permission before being absent from work. I went to work but was asked to return before the protest,” Anthony said.

In separate interviews with FIJ, traders in Yaba and Ikeja also disclosed that sales had been slow due to the protest.

However, those who spoke with FIJ were not embittered by the low patronage, as they maintained that the protest was for the good of all.