From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Business activities are gradually returning along Abuja-Keffi Expressway but major shops and banks along the corridor are still under lock and key.
Unlike on Monday when thugs, hoodlums and criminals ruled the day; intimidated and inflicted injuries on people, yesterday was a different ballgame as even the popular Masaka and Nyanya markets enjoyed some peace and civility.
Motorists, including tricycle and okada riders made brisk businesses as they made turns to cover the losses of yesterday.
But shops and banks along that passageway remained closed, perhaps still recuperating from Monday’s shock.
The banks on the axis include Union Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, Lotus Bank, Wema Bank etc closed their gates for customers.
Also, Sahad Shop, Dollar Pharmacy, Tiger Bar and other big supermarkets and filling stations remained shut. Few security personnel were seen on the road.
Recall that recently, a group, the ‘Take It Back’ movement called for a nationwide protest against hunger and bad governance in the country.
The group tagged the protest, “Days of Rage” which it said would hold nationwide from August 1 to 10.
However, top government personalities, groups, and religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), and the Muslim Rights Concern, have called for the protest to be shelved, citing a palpable fear that it might be hijacked by infiltrators who do not mean well for the country.