Demands for stronger action against insecurity and the rescue of all abducted Nigerians, especially the pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oyo State, dominated the messages of pro-democracy activists who staged protests across the country on Friday to mark June 12 Democracy Day.
The protests, which cut across several states, saw activists decry what they described as worsening insecurity, economic hardship and a declining democratic culture in the country.
This came as opposition parties criticised President Bola Tinubu over worsening insecurity, saying citizens were increasingly exposed to violence, kidnappings and other criminal activities.
In their separate messages, some governors, including Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Hyacinth Alia (Benue) reaffirmed their commitments to end insecurity and promote democracy.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who participated in the June 12 rally in Lagos, said the protest was organised not only to demand the rescue of the abducted victims but also to draw attention to broader issues affecting Nigerians.
