At least 14 people lost their lives, including a policeman as yesterday’s nationwide protest against hardship in Nigeria turned deadly.
The protests, which began peacefully, quickly escalated into violence in several states.
The violence also led to curfews being imposed in Borno and Kaduna states.
The casualties included six in Suleja, Niger State; four in Maiduguri, Borno State; three in Kaduna State; and one in Kebbi State.
In Suleja, protesters were killed while security forces attempted to clear barricades on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, trapping passengers for hours according to Vanguard
One victim, Yahaya Nda Isah, was hit by a stray bullet while on his motorcycle in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division. His nephew described the incident: “He was my uncle, he was not even protesting. He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ division when a stray bullet hit him on his chest and he died. It’s unfortunate.”
Another victim, Mallam Abu, also died from stray bullets. Local residents reported hearing gunshots and witnessing chaos, with Bala Abdullahi stating, “We heard people shouting and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly.”
Protesters set fire to the Tafa local government secretariat and vandalized cars along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, creating traffic jams. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said, “Eleven persons had already been arrested and the highway was now free for traffic.” He added that hoodlums vandalized and partly set the secretariat ablaze.
In Maiduguri, four employees of Kime filling station were killed, with conflicting reports on whether they were hit by stray bullets or an explosion. Baba Musa, a filling station attendant, said, “It was an explosion that took place and killed four persons instantly, while I managed to escape unhurt.” IPMAN Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Kuluwu confirmed the deaths but struggled to get more details.
Kaduna State also saw violence, with three youths killed as protesters clashed with security forces. An eyewitness explained, “We were marching peacefully and no one was carrying any offensive weapon. The security operatives near Government House were threatened by our large number.”
In Kebbi, a businessman was killed in his shop during the protests. Witness Malam Umar Yelwa reported, “The protest became violent when protesters blocked the federal highway to traffic coming into Yauri town.”
The Yobe State government imposed a 24-hour curfew in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru to prevent further violence and looting. Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdussallam, retd, stated, “The state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru. Security agencies have been directed to ensure enforcement and full compliance.”
In Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf declared a 24-hour curfew after looting and violence erupted. He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I address you today regarding the unfortunate events. The whole protest was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who embarked on looting and vandalism.”
In Abuja, the military was called in to control violent protesters blocking the AYA-Kubwa highway. The military took over the highway to clear roadblocks and restore order. The protesters, led by Deji Adeyanju, clashed with police and pro-government demonstrators.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike commended Abuja protesters for their non-violent behavior and urged for dialogue: “I still want to talk to our people that we are still ready to sit down and dialogue with them.”
In Lagos, the protest remained mostly peaceful with demonstrators marching from Ikeja to Ojota. They presented a list of 15 demands to the government, including calls for constitutional reform and better wages.
Amid the chaos, President Bola Tinubu met with the Minister of the FCT, seeking solutions to the ongoing unrest.
