Nigeria, June 12 -- Tension rose a June 12 protest on Friday under the Ikeja Bridge as supporters and counter-protesters occupied the same venue, forcing police intervention to prevent a breakdown of order during Democracy Day commemorations.

The protest was part of a nationwide mobilisation declared by a coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, faith-based organisations and social movements, which had earlier announced June 12 as a day of mass action over insecurity and worsening economic hardship in Nigeria.

The coalition, which includes human rights lawyer Femi Falana, activist Hassan 'Soweto' Taiwo, labour representatives and other civic leaders, said the protest was intended to press the government to u...