Take It Back Movement unveils nationwide protest locations for June 12 to demand accountability, highlight insecurity, and condemn civic repression under Tinubu’s government

June 12 protest locations have been officially announced by the organisers of the forthcoming nationwide demonstration, Take It Back Movement.

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The protest is scheduled to coincide with Nigeria’s Democracy Day and aims to spotlight economic hardship, insecurity, and what the group describes as a shrinking civic space under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking to our correspondent on Monday, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that the action would take place in at least 20 locations across Nigeria.

“In Abuja, we will converge at Eagle Square by 8.00 am. In Lagos, protests will begin at four locations: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, all starting by 7 am,” Sanyaolu stated.

Other confirmed June 12 protest locations include Cathedral Junction in Akure; the Museum Ground in Benin City; and Gida Matasa in Niger State.

In the North-East, demonstrations are planned at Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout in Damaturu, Yobe, and at Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover in Borno.

In South-West states, protest points include Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, and Olaiya Junction in Osogbo. Delta State has five convergence points: Amukpe Roundabout in Sapele, Summit and Koka Junctions in Asaba, Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, and several key roundabouts in Warri and Abraka.

Adamawa’s protest is scheduled for Juppu Jam Road, Yola, also at 8 am.

According to Sanyaolu, the protest is “a constitutional act of civil expression” designed to draw attention to failing governance. “Our demands have not changed,” he said. “We are using June 12 as a day to exercise our democratic rights as Nigerians to demand accountability and democratic governance.”

He cited Amnesty International’s report indicating that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity since President Tinubu assumed office. In addition, more than 133 million Nigerians are classified as multidimensionally poor.

“In Benue alone, over 40,000 people are displaced; in Plateau, the figure is around 68,000. This is the state of welfare and security in the country,” he added.

The activist also condemned the alleged crackdown on dissent, stating, “Freedom of speech is under threat. Critics and opposition voices are being hounded, and the civic space is under siege.”

Sanyaolu urged security agencies to avoid repressing demonstrators, insisting that the right to protest is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court.

“To the security agencies, we say: protect protesters, don’t repress them. Nigerians have the right to protest, and it must be safeguarded,” he concluded.

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He called on Nigerians to participate peacefully, stating it is time to “reclaim the soul of the country” through lawful and visible civic engagement.