Security forces have effectively taken control of Eagle Square in Abuja, erecting roadblocks and maintaining a heavy presence both inside and outside the facility.
This comes as no surprise, given the venue’s history as a hotbed for protests.
The recent show of force is seen as a clear attempt to deter protesters from gathering at the square, despite it not being used for Independence Day celebrations.
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Recall that the organisers of the protest had announced interest in using Eagle Square, but it seems the authorities are determined to keep them at bay.
Commuters and journalists reportedly faced difficulties accessing the area due to the roadblocks.
Some insisted that the heavy deployment of security operatives around Eagle Square was aimed at discouraging protesters from using the venue.
This is because during the protest held between August 1 and 10, security operatives resisted attempts to use the facility.
