What's New  

#EndBadGovernance 5 Tips, Supplies To Protest Safely

By Odunmorayo Oke

01 August 2024   |   12:56 pm

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram

As protesters take to the streets across Nigeria today for the start of the #EndBadGovernance movement, demonstrators need to come prepared. While protesting is a right of the people of a nation, it undeniably comes with some risks. Large-scale protests can cause safety risks, so taking the proper precautions is important. In this article, we…

As protesters take to the streets across Nigeria today for the start of the #EndBadGovernance movement, demonstrators need to come prepared. While protesting is a right of the people of a nation, it undeniably comes with some risks.

Large-scale protests can cause safety risks, so taking the proper precautions is important.

In this article, we shall look at practical tips to help protesters in Nigeria stay safe during the #EndBadGovernance upcoming rallies and marches.

What to bring

When heading to a protest, it’s wise to have certain supplies on hand. Some recommended items include:

1. Water and snacks

Staying hydrated and nourished will keep your energy up during long days of activism. Some food suggestions to eat or carry along during a protest are granola or protein bars, fresh fruits like apples and bananas, sandwiches, and most importantly, water. These will give you a boost of energy and nutrients without making a mess.

2. First aid kit

Ensure you carry a small first aid kit in your backpack or carry on before heading out. Your first aid kit should contain essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other medical basics that can treat minor injuries.

3. Face masks and sanitiser

Wearing a face mask will protect you from tear gas, pepper spray, and any other environmental toxins. Additionally, it will protect you from the spread of any virus or bacteria in the air that could give you a disease. After all, it is cough and catarrh season in Nigeria. Furthermore, ensure to carry a hand sanitiser to use when soap and water aren’t readily available.

4. Phone charger and power bank

Keep your device powered to document the protest and communicate with close friends, and family. Keeping your phone charged will allow you to easily and quickly communicate with people for updates and emergencies.

5. Whistle or air horn

Carry along noise-making tools like a whistle, air horn, or megaphone. Use them to call for help when needed communicate with other protesters on the ground and make announcements.

6. Backpack

Carry a small, lightweight backpack with you that’ll contain your essentials. Ensure you don’t overload it with unnecessary items and only carry important things. This is so you can stay agile and not be weighed down by the heaviness of the bag.

7. Means of identification

When going to protests, make sure to take a form of identification and a list of emergency contacts. Take anyone you prefer with you among your identity (ID) card, voter card, passport, and driver’s license. Importantly, write a list of emergency contacts on paper and keep it on you in case your battery dies or your phone gets stolen.

8. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes

You’ll likely be on your feet for hours, so wear loose clothing and durable footwear. Dress for mobility, comfort, and protection by wearing lightweight breathable clothing that won’t restrict your movement. And if you can, avoid wearing belts, jewelry and other accessories that could be grabbed. Suggestions of items to wear are:

Long pants to cover your legs
Long sleeve shirts to cover your arms
Hats or face caps to shield your face/head
Sneakers to walk and run comfortably

READ ALSO: #EndBadGovernance: Police fire tear gas at Abuja-Nasarawa border protesters 

Tips for staying safe during the #EndBadGovernance protests

1. Stay vigilant

During the protests, always be aware of your surroundings at all times. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately and find a safe place to stay.

Stick close to your protest group and watch out for each other. If confronted by authorities, stay calm and avoid sudden movements.

2. Avoid confrontation

Protests can be done peacefully without things getting escalated. So, steer clear of the police or counter-protesters, and don’t argue with other people on the protest grounds.

3. Follow your instincts

If the tension seems to be rising, it is best to move to a safer area. If you feel unsafe or you feel like something is off, trust your instincts and evacuate immediately from that situation.

4. Follow the curfew

If a curfew has been announced by the government authorities, it is important to stick by it. Time your protest and wrap it up when it’s close to the curfew. Ignoring them can cause serious harm and trouble for you if you get caught.

5. Keep communicating

Ensure to keep communicating your movements and whereabouts with your friends and family. Share your location with them and regularly post updates on social media so others know where you are.

Finally, avoid recording the faces of other people, especially those of police officers, thugs, or other protesters to avoid suspicion and protect their safety.