•10 individuals lost their lives in Niger and Borno, with a further seven casualties in Kano, amidst widespread destruction including looting of FG complex and burning of APC secretariat
•Businesses suffer losses as banks, ports, and offices remain closed; FG urges calm, NBA provides free legal aid to demonstrators
Reports suggest that as many as 17 people may have lost their lives in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance protest conducted on Thursday.
Fatalities include a person each in Abuja and Kano, two in Jigawa, six reportedly shot by security forces in Niger, four in Borno, and three in Kaduna.
While the demonstrations commenced peacefully, they escalated into violence in certain areas, resulting in clashes between protestors and law enforcement.
The fear of potential escalation prompted the closure of businesses, banks, shopping centers, and some markets.
In one instance, a protester was fatally shot along the Kubwa expressway in Abuja.
An eyewitness known as Ekaete disclosed that the unidentified man was killed after the protest turned violent, leading to a blockage of the highway by demonstrators.
She recounted, “While waiting for a bus on the expressway, protesters gathered and obstructed traffic. Subsequently, as the situation escalated, the police resorted to live ammunition, resulting in the tragic death of the young man. Witnessing this, everyone dispersed.”
Additionally, there was a confrontation between law enforcement personnel and protesters at the Eagles Square, Three Arms Zone, near the Presidential Villa.
Protesters at the location chanted the national anthem and demanded an end to corrupt governance.
Efforts by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to address the group were met with resistance, as the protestors shouted back with grievances related to hardship.
Expressing his intentions, Olawande stated, “I am not here to suppress your rights or disrupt the protest. I have been a part of numerous demonstrations myself.”
However, tensions heightened after the minister left, with security forces resorting to more aggressive measures, including teargas and pepper spray, to disperse the crowd around 10:30am, following an initial warning shot fired at the ground.
Notably, a female protester bravely confronted the police while holding her baby, challenging them to take action.
Stating her motive, she revealed that she had joined the protest after her husband was killed by bandits in Katsina.
Voicing her concerns, she said, “I came out to protest against the prevailing hardships in Nigeria, yet the police respond with teargas. Are they also targeting my child? People are suffering, facing severe challenges.”
Moreover, officers in a helicopter sprayed protestors with teargas at the city gate.
Earlier, demonstrators had gathered at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium per a court order obtained by the FCT administration, which restricted their protest to the stadium.
However, defying directions to confine their rally to the stadium, protesters eventually moved to the Eagle Square upon learning of harassment faced by some demonstrators.
Prior to this, five buses transporting pro-government protestors had arrived at the stadium.
These counter-protestors carrying placards voiced their opposition to the hunger protest.
One participant admitted to being paid N5,000 to participate in the staged counter-protest.
He shared, “We were offered money to protest against these individuals. I have only received a portion of the payment and I am yet to receive the balance. Despite being in need, the money offered will not resolve my issues.”
Although the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, emphasized the rally’s persistence until President Bola Tinubu addresses their demands,
the primary demands encompass the reduction of petrol prices to N100/litre, improved security, closure of IDP camps, and electoral reform, among other grievances.
Adenola asserted, “The government’s court-ordered restrictions on protest locations are unjust. Our presence signifies the end of prolonged oppression. Today, we stand united.”
He added, “President Bola Tinubu must meet our demands; otherwise, we will continue to mobilize on the streets until our grievances are addressed.”
Prominent protest organizer, Michael Lenin, confirmed the protest’s continuation on Friday, pledging unwavering commitment despite security agency intimidation.
He declared, “We will persist with the protest. The government’s actions do not deter us. The lack of receptiveness from this administration was evident in today’s violent response to peaceful protests. We stand firm; until our demands are met, we will not retreat.”
In a separate incident in Abuja, a group of protesters, including women and children, obstructed the key highway connecting Karu-Kurudu and Karshi, chanting anti-Tinubu slogans.
Some protestors wielded weapons, while others held symbolic items as they impeded traffic along the road.
Tragically, two individuals were reportedly injured by stray bullets at the notorious sharp corner in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State—adjacent to Abuja, where many FCT civil servants reside.
Gunshots echoed as the protestors seized control of the Abuja-Keffi highway, setting fires to amplify their dissent.
Amidst escalating tensions, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike advocated for dialogue, highlighting the government’s willingness to engage with the youth.
Wike, later seen at the Presidential Villa, called for peaceful resolution and open communication between the government and aggrieved citizens.Wike emphasized the importance of sitting down with the government for dialogue, considering it a more effective peace process, during his speech at the presentation of the Staff of the Office to newly graded chiefs in Abuja.
He expressed, “We have seen severally that it is better to dialogue; it is better to sit down and iron out issues with the government. I want you to continue with that peace process, and he who makes peace, will at the end of the day, enjoy the dividend of peace.”
He commended the ongoing dialogue efforts and urged the people to engage in peaceful discussions with the government to resolve any existing conflicts.
In a recent incident in Niger State, the police reportedly killed six individuals and arrested 11 others for allegedly attempting to set fire to the Tafa LGA secretariat during a protest. The spokesperson for the command, SP Waisu Abiodun, revealed that the hoodlums vandalized the secretariat, looted valuables, and set ablaze vehicles.
Abiodun mentioned that the police and other security agencies responded to the situation and apprehended the suspects with dangerous weapons. The authorities also managed to disperse the crowd and recover some of the looted items.
He warned that anyone engaging in violent demonstrations would face legal consequences as the security agencies were prepared to enforce the law decisively.
In another development, the Civil Society Situation Room reported that two protesters were shot dead in Kaduna State and six in Niger State during the recent demonstrations against the challenging economic conditions in Nigeria.
Tragically, suspected Boko Haram members infiltrated a protest in Borno State, resulting in the death of four individuals and injuries to 34 others. The police swiftly deployed resources to address the situation.
Due to the violent outbreaks in various states, curfews were imposed by the governors to restore order and prevent further unrest. Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano blamed the violence on “enemies of progress” and declared a 24-hour curfew in response to the disturbances.
He urged security forces to enforce the curfew effectively and reassured the public that demands from peaceful protesters would be communicated to the president. In Kano, reports indicated that criminal activities resulted in the closure of shops, destruction of public and private properties, and arrests of several suspects.
The situation escalated with the torching of the Nigeria Communications Commission office in Kano, and the police confirmed the arrest of over 260 criminals involved in looting and violent activities.
Likewise, the Kaduna State police command confirmed an attack on government offices by suspected hoodlums. The authorities assured the public of continued efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
The detention of individuals was reported, with claims denying the use of live ammunition against the suspects.
According to the official, protesters engaged in various activities such as setting an Armoured Personnel Carrier on fire and looting shops. An attempt to enter the Government House was thwarted, resulting in injuries to several personnel who are currently receiving medical attention in different hospitals.
There was no official confirmation of casualties, but a video circulating on social media suggested that a young person was fatally shot by the police during a clash with demonstrators.
While one individual was feared dead during a rally in Gombe State, the Commissioner of Police refuted the occurrence, stating that stolen items were recovered from criminals posing as protesters against bad governance.
The protest in Gombe State escalated into violence when protesters were prevented from entering the Government House after congregating near the building. This led to the looting of items and forced entry into shops in the Sabonline area.
In Jigawa State, it was reported that two people lost their lives and many others were injured as police used live ammunition and teargas to disperse the protesters. The protests spanned over 10 LGAs, resulting in the destruction and looting of government properties.
Incidents of violence were observed, with casualties reported at different locations, including in front of the Government House in Dutse. The agitation led to the burning of structures at the All Progressives Congress headquarters in Dutse.
Protests extended to Katsina State, where demonstrators gathered with banners, converging on the Government House to express their discontent. The situation turned hostile as the police intervened with teargas, confronting those engaged in looting and vandalizing vehicles.
The clash occurred near the Government House in Katsina, where protesters attempted to enter the premises to engage with the acting Governor, resulting in violence between the two groups.
Activist Omoyele Sowore strongly criticized the violence and harassment targeting protesters nationwide, emphasizing their right to peaceful demonstrations. Sowore emphasized that the government must address economic challenges and ensure citizens have avenues for prosperity.
Lagos
In Lagos, hundreds of protesters took to the streets, demanding an end to economic hardships and poor governance in Nigeria. The demonstrators, primarily youths, marched from Ikeja Under Bridge to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, showcasing placards with various messages.
A High Court in Lagos restricted the protest to specific locations in Ojota, but participants also voiced their grievances in Alausa. The demonstrators advocated for changes in government policies related to fuel subsidies, taxation, and electricity tariffs.
During the protest march from Ikeja to Ojota, many businesses, including banks and offices, were closed, leading to limited vehicular movement on the streets.
While the protesters maintained peaceful demonstrations in monitored areas, reports indicated that police deployed teargas to disperse some individuals at Lekki Toll Gate. Leaders of the protest included figures from various movements advocating for change and justice.
Participants in the protest expressed concerns over economic hardships in Lagos and the country as a whole, calling for a reversal of policies that have exacerbated financial challenges. The protest organizers vowed to continue their demonstrations until the government addresses their demands.
Noteworthy incidents during the protest included a man stripping naked to symbolize his frustration with the economic situation, and the presence of a patrol helicopter monitoring the protest venue in Ojota.
Security measures were evident as protesters cited previous events like the #EndSARS protest at Lekki Toll Gate, indicating wariness towards the police presence. The Lagos State Police Commissioner visited the protest site to oversee the activities of the demonstrators.
In Enugu State, residents opted for a sit-at-home protest to highlight issues of hunger and governance. The streets remained deserted as businesses closed their doors, with only security personnel visible in certain areas.
Despite major markets being open in Enugu, there was minimal activity as residents refrained from public engagements. Similar scenarios were observed in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, pointing to a widespread stance of protest through passive resistance.
In the commercial hub of Aba, there were no protests, but banks, corporate offices, motor parks, and business premises were all closed.
Meanwhile, a similar situation unfolded in Ebonyi State where banks and other businesses ceased operations. Despite the assurances of security agencies and the state government in Abakaliki, the residents chose to stay indoors, declining to participate in the protest.
The streets of Owerri, the capital of Imo State, were devoid of protest activities, with only security operatives visible in the area.
The anti-hunger protest in Anambra State resulted in a partial disruption of economic activities. While major markets were open, they lacked the usual bustling atmosphere, and banks, petrol stations, and motor parks were closed in Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka.
In Delta State, reporters covering the national protest faced aggression as anti-protest individuals smashed their smartphones. The police did little to intervene initially, but military personnel eventually helped rescue the journalists.
Imo State did not witness the anticipated protest as banks, markets, and business premises remained shut, with an increased presence of security personnel in the cities.
Residents in Warri chose not to partake in the protest and continued their daily activities, although banks were closed to customers as a precautionary measure.
The protest in Akwa Ibom was disrupted by police restrictions and heavy rainfall, leading to deserted streets and disrupted transportation services.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the situation was calm with most shops open for business, while some banks restricted access to only ATM services.
In Edo State, attempts by hoodlums to hijack the protest were evident in various areas, with instances of road blockades and looting reported.
Overall, the protests resulted in varying responses across different states, reflecting a mix of peaceful conduct, security concerns, and attempts at disruption by unruly elements.Human rights are a fundamental aspect that cannot be taken away from individuals, and I am truly impressed by your actions. Edo State should serve as a role model for other states to emulate. Our men are dedicated to ensuring your protection, and I am extending my support to this peaceful demonstration by providing water and snacks for you.”
Fubara Upsets Protesters
In Port Harcourt, the bustling capital of Rivers State, a group of over 500 youths, carrying placards, marched along the busy Aba Road towards the Government House. The messages on their placards included, ‘We reject bad governance in Nigeria’, ‘The nation is facing food scarcity’, ‘Nigeria is too wealthy to have poverty’, ‘Tinubu must step down’, ‘How can the common man survive when a cup of rice costs N400’, among others.
At the Government House, there was a tense moment when Governor Siminalaye Fubara received backlash from the protesting youths after offering them money for water and appealing for their return home.
Expressing his gratitude for their peaceful conduct, Fubara acknowledged their grievances and promised to convey their message to the President.
Despite his attempts to pacify the protesters, they vehemently refused his monetary offer, asserting their demand for good governance and calling for Tinubu’s resignation.
Meanwhile, in Calabar, Cross River State, a group of journalists and activists, including Jonathan Igbal from CrossRiverWatch, were detained by security personnel while participating in a peaceful protest against bad governance at the Mary Slessor roundabout.
Human rights lawyer James Ibor raised concerns over the arbitrary detention, urging the authorities to provide evidence of any alleged misconduct by the detained individuals and calling on Governor Otu to intervene and secure their release.