Hundreds of youths in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government on Thursday staged a peaceful protest over alleged bad governance and hardship in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who monitored the protest, reports the youths converging at the popular Jattu Junction with their placards, calling on the government to address the hunger in the country.

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The Coordinator, Edo Take It Back Movement, Mr Hafiz Lawal, said they would remain on the streets until the federal and state governments address the issue.

Lawal, who is also the Coordinator of Coalition for Edo North Youths for Good Governance (CENYGG) , said the government should combat insecurity and a better electoral reform.

The government should immediately release ₦EndSar protesters in custody and a compulsory free education from primary to secondary school level, amongst others.

“As you can see we are peaceful and the security agencies are on ground to beef up security to ensure hoodlums do not hijack the protest,” Lawal said.

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The coordinator noted that the protest tagged: ₦End Bad Governance in Nigeria, is expected to last for 10 days and would continue if the government failed to yield to their demands.

“Our protest starts by 7:am and ends by 6:pm.

“The demands we are placing before the Nigerian government are attainable and sustainable,” Lawal said.

Meanwhile, business activities were at low ebb as many locked their shops for fear of being attacked by hoodlums.

(NAN)