In line with the fear exercised in some quarters, the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests Thursday turned violent in some parts of Nigeria, with protesters in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Gombe states engaging in deadly clashes with security agencies.
Top on the demands of the aggrieved protesters were calls for reversal of the fuel price hike, reduction of import duties to what it was before now, and also the need for affordable electricity tariffs.
It took a deadly turn in Katsina state as two people lost their lives and some churches vandalised.
The protest began peacefully but quickly escalated into violence.
It was observed from videos circulating that the situation spiralled out of control, with some individuals taking advantage of the chaos to loot and destroy properties.
However, reports by Blueprint correspondents showed the protest was peaceful in other parts of the country such as Lagos and Rivers states, while Ekiti, Ondo, Ebonyi, Kwara and a couple of other states didn’t have a feel of the exercise.
*FG’s plea
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some top government functionaries, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, had, at different times, pleaded with organisers of the protest to embrace dialogue as government was responding to their demands.
And just Wednesday, the top government officials held a world press conference to make further pleas, but the organisers remained adamant.I
*GP goes tough
In a tough stance, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun said mass uprising and looting were being instigated by organisers, warning all these must stop.
To this end, he has ordered all units on red alert and get mobilised to respond swiftly and decisively.
The police in a statement shared by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Thursday night, said: “Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same.”
*Minna
Report from Suleja and Tafa local government areas of Niger state said six people were reportedly killed, and Tafa council secretariat at Sabo Wuse set ablaze.
It was learnt that some miscreants of Tafa area of Kagarko local government area of Kaduna state and that of Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger state, mobilised and stormed Tafa LGA secretariat located along Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Sabon-Wuse Niger state at about 9.30am.
In the Suleja incident, trouble was said to have started when police dispersed almost 1000 protesters gathered for the commencement of the protest by use of force.
Eye Witness account said the situation turned awry, resulting in use of tear gass canisters while the protesters retaliated in same proportion.
Speaking to journalists, one of the protesters who pleaded anonymity said: “The police engaged the protesters with tear gas and use of live bullets resulting in the death six people. Some (4) of them died on the spot while two others died on the way to Gwagwalada hospital.”
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Niger state police command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident but declined to speak on casualty figures.
He however confirmed that the Tafa LGA secretariat was partially set ablaze after it was looted while two cars were also burnt
Abiodun said: “Following the nationwide protest slated to commence today 1st August, 2024, unfortunately this morning at about 0930hrs, some miscreants of Tafa area of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and that of Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger State mobilized and stormed Tafa LGA Secretariat of Niger State located along Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Sabon-Wuse Niger State.
“The hoodlums vandalized the Secretariat, partly set ablazed, two cars were also burnt and two other vandalized. They further looted valuables there-in, while the police and other security agencies responded to the scene, and arrested eleven violent miscreants with different dangerous weapons, including firearms.”
He said police and other security agencies also responded to the blockage of the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, and old toll-gate and the hoodlums were dispersed, adding that “presently, the expressway has been reopened for motorists and there is free flow of traffic along the highway.”
Blueprint however reports that the protest was peaceful in Bida while there were virtually no protesters on the streets of Minna, the state capital.
*One killed in Abuja
In Abuja, a suburb of Abuja, the nation’s capital city, pandemonium broke out at the NNPC junction Kubwa along the Suleja- Zuba axis when men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) shot a 16 year-old protester.
An eyewitness recounted to Blueprint that at about 4.00pm Thursday, some protesters were burning tyres at the junction and was causing chaos and the Police men in the area cautioned them to stop and maintain peace in the area.
According to the eye witness, while the Police officers while trying to disperse the protesters, it didn’t go well with the protesters and they starting throwing stones and harmful objects at the police officers.
She said the Police officers first retaliated with a tear gas causing protesters, traders and passerby to run for their dear lives.
She further said some protesters still faced the police officers and a shot was fired at a protester which resulted in his death.
“Immediately they shot the protester, they didn’t pick his corpse, they left him there and zoomed off in their van,” she said.
But, prior to the Kubwa incident, protesters moving towards the three Arms Zones were tear-gassed in a bid to disperse them and prevent them from accessing the area.
The zone is where the National Assembly, the Supreme Court, and the Aso Villa are located.
Armoured Personnel Carriers conveying soldiers and police operatives were deployed to prevent the protesters from entering the Three-Arms Zone.
Earlier, the Abuja protesters at the entrance of the MKO Abiola stadium were told by the police to move into the stadium. They refused and instead commenced a march towards Eagle Square, close to the Three Arms Zone.
It was observed that in an attempt to prevent the protesters from accessing the iconic Eagle Square around the Three Arms Zone, the police fired tear gas indiscriminately.
As soon as the protesters approached Eagle Square, chaos ensued. The police stationed at strategic points took up tactical positions around the protesters and fired tear gas at them.
However, instead of dispersing, the protesters were regrouping.
Many protesters regrouped around the Ministry of Finance, blocking Ahmadu Bello Way and pushing back towards the police.
Many people were injured, and police specifically targeted journalists and arrested at least two of them, including a PREMIUM TIMES journalist whose phone was seized after he was beaten despite identifying himself as a journalist.
The police also used tear gas to disperse another set of protesters at the NYSC junction in Kubwa.
Also, some protesters, majority of whom were Okada riders, stormed the Nyanya axis of the road chanting various songs of dissatisfaction with the federal government.
The protesters who wielded dangerous weapons, barricaded the road at various intervals, burning tyres and also threatening to burn any vehicle trying to convey passengers out of the Nyanya Park.
Security agents comprising of the Police, Civil Defence and soldiers tried frantically to prevent the enormous protesters from crossing to the karu bridge section of the highway, but were overwhelmed.
The situation also left hundreds of passengers stranded at the Nyanya Park as both commercial and private vehicles were disallowed from conveying passengers while the highway became their convergence point.
*Kaduna
In Kaduna state, youth in Zaria local government area of the state, came out in their thousands.
One of our correspondents who visited Gwargwaje in Zaria local Government reports that the youth stormed the area where they blocked Zaria-Kano and Zaria-Kaduna roads.
The protesters were carrying placards with various inscriptions showing their grievances, while the protest lasted with the police providing them with security.
*Kano imposes 24-hour curfew
And from Kano state, Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf has declared 24- hour curfew in response to the ugly incident that unfolded during the protest.
The protest turned violent after some youth took to the streets with dangerous weapons.
At about 10:15 a.m., they invaded a popular Rufaidah Yoghurt store in Hadejia Road, Kano, and went on a looting spree.
The protesters also looted a yet to be commissioned industrial park belonging to the Nigeria Communications Commission.
And announcing the imposition of curfew in a statement Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, he said the decision was arrived after an Emergency State Security Council meeting dedicated to addressing the escalating violence and disruptions that trailed the protest.
On July 31, 2024, the governor convened a town hall meeting with various stakeholders, including religious leaders, business representatives, traditional leaders, academia, technocrats, youth and women’s groups, and civil society organizations.
During the meeting, the governor recognized the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully protest and expressed a commitment to addressing their concerns, assuring that their grievances would be forwarded to Mr. President and Commander in Chief for consideration.
And Thursday morning, the representatives of the peaceful protesters submitted their demands in writing, which the governor pledged to deliver to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While he commended the majority of demonstrators who voiced their concerns in a responsible manner, he expressed his disappointment that the protest had been hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who engaged in rampant looting, destruction of property, and violence against innocent citizens.
The governor emphasized that such actions, fueled by antagonistic elements, threatened the safety and security of all citizens and must be addressed vigorously.
“The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities,” said the governor, adding “It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses.”
The governor called on all citizens to remain vigilant and united during this challenging time.
“Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us. Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State,” the statement said.
All security agencies in the state were directed to ensure full compliance with the curfew, and citizens are urged to heed this directive for their safety and the well-being of all.
*Yobe too
Like Kano, the Yobe state government announced the imposition of curfew on Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns.
This followed the decision by some hoodlums who took advantage of the protest to vandalise and loot government and private properties.
This is contained in a statement signed by the special adviser to the governor on security matters, Dahiru Abdussallam (Brig. General Retired)
While advising members of the public to abide by the curfew order and stay at home for peace to reign in these areas and the state at large, the governor’s aide said: “The Security Agencies have been directed to ensure enforcement and full compliance of the curfew order.”
As displayed in some of the placards carried by the demonstrators, the protesters also called for the reversal of many institutions’ hikes in tertiary education fees, the security of farmlands for farmers, and a reduction in the prices of staple foods, among other things.
They are also demanding full transparency and accountability in governance, including the public disclosure and reduction of public officials’ salaries and allowances and an emergency fund to support SMEs.
*Zamfara
In Zamfara state, Blueprint reports that the protesters converged on Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital roundabout carrying some placards which contained, return our fuel subsidy, bad governance, remove electricity tariff, open our borders and so on.
Our correspondent observed that few youth and under-age children were mainly cited in the protest which began at around 8:30am.
However, the joint security forces were mounted at some strategic places which include Government House, Gusau central market, central motor pack, mosques, among others.
The state government had Wednesday closed all public schools ahead of the for fear of possible unrest.
Addressing the protesters who stormed the main gate of the government house Gusau, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal acknowledged all the concerns raised and promising forwarding same to Abuja.
At about 10:15 a.m., they invaded a popular Rufaidah Yoghurt store in Hadejia Road, Kano, and went on a looting spree.
The protesters also looted a yet to be commissioned industrial park belonging to the Nigeria Communications Commission.
And announcing the imposition of curfew in a statement Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, he said the decision was arrived after an Emergency State Security Council meeting dedicated to addressing the escalating violence and disruptions that trailed the protest.
On July 31, 2024, the governor convened a town hall meeting with various stakeholders, including religious leaders, business representatives, traditional leaders, academia, technocrats, youth and women’s groups, and civil society organizations.
During the meeting, the governor recognized the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully protest and expressed a commitment to addressing their concerns, assuring that their grievances would be forwarded to Mr. President and Commander in Chief for consideration.
And Thursday morning, the representatives of the peaceful protesters submitted their demands in writing, which the governor pledged to deliver to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While he commended the majority of demonstrators who voiced their concerns in a responsible manner, he expressed his disappointment that the protest had been hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who engaged in rampant looting, destruction of property, and violence against innocent citizens.
The governor emphasized that such actions, fueled by antagonistic elements, threatened the safety and security of all citizens and must be addressed vigorously.
“The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities,” said the governor, adding “It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses.”
The governor called on all citizens to remain vigilant and united during this challenging time.
“Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us. Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State,” the statement said.
All security agencies in the state were directed to ensure full compliance with the curfew, and citizens are urged to heed this directive for their safety and the well-being of all.
*Yobe
Like Kano, the Yobe state government announced the imposition of curfew on Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns.
This followed the decision by some hoodlums who took advantage of the protest to vandalise and loot government and private properties.
This is contained in a statement signed by the special adviser to the governor on security matters, Dahiru Abdussallam (Brig. General Retired)
While advising members of the public to abide by the curfew order and stay at home for peace to reign in these areas and the state at large, the governor’s aide said: “The Security Agencies have been directed to ensure enforcement and full compliance of the curfew order.”
As displayed in some of the placards carried by the demonstrators, the protesters also called for the reversal of many institutions’ hikes in tertiary education fees, the security of farmlands for farmers, and a reduction in the prices of staple foods, among other things.
They are also demanding full transparency and accountability in governance, including the public disclosure and reduction of public officials’ salaries and allowances and an emergency fund to support SMEs.
*Zamfara
In Zamfara state, Blueprint reports that the protesters converged on Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital roundabout carrying some placards which contained, return our fuel subsidy, bad governance, remove electricity tariff, open our borders and so on.
Our correspondent observed that few youth and under-age children were mainly cited in the protest which began at around 8:30am.
However, the joint security forces were mounted at some strategic places which include Government House, Gusau central market, central motor pack, mosques, among others.
The state government had Wednesday closed all public schools ahead of the for fear of possible unrest.
Addressing the protesters who stormed the main gate of the government house Gusau, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal acknowledged all the concerns raised and promising forwarding same to Abuja.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Project Implementation, Nasiru Zurmi, the governor called on the federal government to come up with solutions to the current socioeconomic hardship that the Nigerians are facing.
*Lagos
In Ojota, Ogudu Ketu environment, business activities were paralysed as protesters gathered in front of the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, chanting “all we are saying end bad governance”
The protest at Ojota was peaceful as security officers like Police, civil defence and others surrounded the environment to ensure the protection of the protesters.
The protest was organised in such a way that cars and commercial vehicles were allowed to pass without any form of harassment, even as all shops closed down.
A police officer who spoke with Blueprint on a condition of anomynity said that the groups were not given opportunity to engage in any form of protest because of the negative impact of EndSars protest that was hijacked by hoodlums midway.
*Police serve protesters refreshment in Edo
Reports from Edo state showed that the state Commissioner of Police in Edo state, Funsho Adegboye, commended residents protesting economic hardship for their peaceful conduct.
Adegboye, who addressed the protesters at the Kings Square in Benin City on Thursday said: “I am impressed by the ways the protesters peacefully conducted themselves and I urged them to sustain it.”.
The CP thereafter distributed water snacks, and biscuits to the protesters in appreciation of their peaceful conduct.
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) occupied the King Square for the protest. The venue was the only place designated by the police.
Members of the coalition erected a podium with musical instruments at about 7.30Am and began to express their grievances.
Men of the Edo State Police Command were also at the venue to monitor and provide the necessary security protection.
A combined team of the Nigerian Army, policemen and an armed squad of the Nigeria Correctional centre were stationed at the Correctional Centre on the Benin-Sapele road.
*Police warn organisers, say this must stop
Taking strong exception to the looting that accompanied the exercise Thursday, IGP Egbetokun said: “Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it.
“Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. The destruction so far has been mind-boggling.
“There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.”
The statement further said: “In spite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.
“In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.”
“Today in Borno state, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.
“We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.
“In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation. Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilise the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.
“The Police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
“We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period. Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country,” the statement added. (Source: Blueprint, with additional report from Premium Times)
