ABUJA — No fewer than 14 protesters, including a policeman, lost their lives yesterday on the first day of the nationwide protest against hardship in the country.
Fatalities and Curfews
Six protesters were killed in Suleja, Niger State; four in Maiduguri, Borno State; three in Kaduna State; and one in Kebbi State. Amidst these fatalities, curfews were imposed in Borno and Kaduna states as the initially peaceful protests turned violent.
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Violence in Suleja
In Suleja, dozens of protesters sustained injuries as security operatives struggled to dislodge a group of demonstrators who had mounted barricades on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, trapping hundreds of passengers and motorists for hours. Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, was among those killed by stray bullets. Another victim, Mallam Abu, also died on the spot.
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Maiduguri Tragedy
Four staff members of Kime filling station in Maiduguri were killed during the protests. While some reports suggested stray bullets were responsible, others claimed an explosion was the cause. A 24-hour curfew was imposed in response to escalating violence and a recent bomb blast in Kawuri village that killed 20 people.
Kaduna Clashes
In Kaduna, three protesters were killed, and many others were injured. The protest, which began peacefully, turned violent when security forces used hot water cannons and vehicles to disperse the large crowd. Major streets were deserted, and markets and shops closed in anticipation of further violence. Police accused members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria of instigating the violence.
Kebbi Incident
In Kebbi, a businessman was killed in Yauri after being hit by a bullet while in his shop. The protest became violent when demonstrators blocked the federal highway, leading to clashes with marine police.
Yobe and Kano Curfews
Yobe State imposed a 24-hour curfew on Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru to prevent further violence and looting. Similarly, Kano Governor Abba Yusuf declared a 24-hour curfew after protests turned into a looting spree. The governor emphasized the need to protect lives and property as hoodlums took advantage of the situation.
Abuja Highway Takeover
In Abuja, violent protesters forced the military to take over the AYA-Kubwa highway. The protesters, initially peaceful, turned violent and began extorting motorists. The military’s intervention aimed to restore order and clear the blocked roads.
Protests in Lagos
In Lagos, protests remained largely peaceful, with security agents leading demonstrators from Ikeja to Ojota. The protesters presented a 15-point demand to the government, including the scrapping of the 1999 Constitution, a minimum wage of N250,000, and significant investments in education and healthcare.
Presidential Meeting
Amid the protests, President Bola Tinubu met with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Although the agenda was not disclosed, it is believed the meeting was related to the ongoing protests in the nation’s capital.
The nationwide protests highlight the growing discontent over economic hardship and governance issues in Nigeria, with the death toll and violence underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and reform.
