Protests continued in Abuja and Kano yesterday as part of the nationwide resistance to the economic hardships facing the country.
In Kano, demonstrators defied a state-imposed curfew, brandishing placards and gathering in areas such as Mandawari, Kofar Kwaru, and Nasarawa. They chanted, “We would rather be killed by a bullet than by hunger.”
The initially peaceful protest turned violent in Sani Mainage, where protesters set tyres on fire and blocked streets, prompting police to respond with tear gas and warning shots. Reports indicate that at least eight people, including women and children, were shot. The unrest began when security forces attempted to disperse youths defying the curfew.
Some protesters waved Russian flags, calling for intervention from President Vladimir Putin, expressing their dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The clashes resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities.
Despite the 24-hour curfew, protests erupted in areas such as Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna to Bachirawa in Fagge Local Government Area, Kofar Nasarawa in Kano Municipal, and Unguwa Uku in Tarauni Local Government Area. Musa Salisu, a resident of Rijiyar Lemo, reported that eight people were killed during the clashes.
Eyewitness Abdulkadir Musa said, “At least eight people were shot in our area, including women and children. An elderly woman and three others died, while many more sustained serious injuries. People defied the curfew to protest, and security operatives resorted to shooting to clear the area.”
An anonymous resident mentioned that looters targeted shops, including a Rufaida Yoghurt outlet. Security forces also dispersed protesters along Zaria Road in Unguwa Uku.
The police have not yet commented on the rumored deaths, leading to widespread speculation on social media. Attempts to reach police spokesman SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa were unsuccessful.
In Abuja, DSS operatives and police fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters and journalists at the MKO Abiola Stadium. According to Premium Times, DSS officers arrived in several Toyota Sienna vans and began shooting at peaceful demonstrators shortly after police had fired tear gas. Several protesters were harassed and arrested.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ishyaku Shuaibu, addressed journalists at the stadium. Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen urged Nigerians to suspend the protests, stating that government officials were addressing the issues.
Discrepancies remain regarding the death toll from the first two days of the protests. The police reported seven deaths, attributing some to a bomb explosion in Borno State and violent attacks elsewhere. In contrast, Amnesty International claimed that 13 people had died.
The police also announced the arrest of 681 individuals for various offenses, including armed robbery, arson, and the destruction of public and private property. Force PRO ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated, “In Borno State, four individuals lost their lives, and 34 were severely injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements who infiltrated the crowd and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).”
Yobe State police apprehended 108 suspects for various crimes, including curfew violations. Commissioner of Police Garba Ahmed noted that efforts are ongoing to recover stolen property, with discreet investigations underway. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Dungus Abdulkarim added that the nationwide protests have led to looting, property destruction, and unrest.
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