ABUJA, Nigeria—Protests against bad governance, under the banner #EndBadGovernance, erupted across Nigeria on Thursday, August 1, 2024. The demonstrations manifested in various forms, from peaceful gatherings to violent clashes.
The protests, which will last until August 10, aim to draw attention to Nigerians’ economic hardships.
The scale and intensity of the demonstrations varied widely across states, with some regions experiencing peaceful protests and others witnessing significant violence and vandalism.
Lagos: A Peaceful Protest
In Lagos, protests were held at Peace Park and Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, attracting large crowds and remaining peaceful.
Security personnel escorted the protesters, ensuring their safety.
A Lagos State High Court had previously restricted the protests to these two parks.
Ogun: Peaceful Demonstrations
Similarly, Ogun State saw peaceful demonstrations, with security agents, including police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel, providing protection to the protesters.
Abuja: Gridlock and Counter-Protests
In Abuja, hundreds of protesters blocked the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, causing significant traffic disruptions and forcing motorists to take alternative routes.
The protesters burned tyres at various points, including the Orange Market.
Counter-protesters, advocating for peace and development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also made their presence felt.
Plateau: High-Profile Participation
In Plateau State, former Minister for Youth and Sports Development Solomon Dalung and Prophet Isa El-buba joined the protests in Jos.
The demonstrators, predominantly youths, marched through major streets, chanting solidarity songs.
Borno: Violence and Infiltration
Borno State experienced severe violence as Boko Haram elements infiltrated the protests on Baga Road in Maiduguri, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to 34 others.
The police reported that many minors, mainly almajiris (street beggars), were involved in the vandalism of public property.
The state government imposed a 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri following the violence.
Kano: Looting and Curfew
In Kano, hoodlums armed with various weapons looted shops and offices, prompting Governor Abba Yusuf to impose a 24-hour curfew.
Public properties, including the Digital Industrial Park of the Nigerian Communications Commission Office, were vandalized.
Kaduna: Vandalism and Arrests
Kaduna State also saw significant vandalism, including the burning of a police Armoured Personnel Carrier and attempts to invade the Government House.
ASP Mansir Hassan confirmed the incidents and the subsequent arrest of 11 protesters.
Sokoto: Barricades and Demands
Hundreds of youths in Sokoto barricaded major streets and the Government House, demanding the re-introduction of fuel subsidies and a revert to an exchange rate of N400 per U.S. dollar.
Security operatives prevented them from entering the government house.
Gombe: Vigilante Protection
In Gombe, shop owners and traders, assisted by hired vigilantes and hunters, secured their premises against potential vandalism. Major markets were heavily barricaded.
Delta: Violence Against Journalists
In Delta State, the protest turned violent when suspected thugs attacked and dispersed protesters, injuring four journalists from Punch, The Guardian, Pointer, and an Asaba-based investigative journalist.
Niger: Fatalities and Arrests
Protests in Niger State led to the deaths of at least four individuals in Suleja, confirmed by DSC Abubakar Muti of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The police also arrested 11 protesters for vandalizing the Tafa Local Government Secretariat.
Edo: Looting of Rice Truck
Hoodlums in Edo State looted bags of rice from a truck parked in Urora community, Ikpoba-okha Local Government Area, as protesters marched through the area.
Nasarawa: Arrests for Disorder
Police in Nasarawa State apprehended 50 protesters across four local government areas for causing disorder and attacking police personnel.
DSP Ramhan Nansel reported arrests in Lafia, Karu, Keffi, and Mararaba Udege.
Ekiti, Kwara, Enugu, Cross River: Minimal Participation
In contrast, states like Ekiti, Kwara, Enugu, and Cross River saw minimal participation in the protests.
Residents in these states largely adopted a sit-at-home approach, leading to deserted streets and markets.
Abia and Imo: Calm Amidst Protests
In Abia and Imo, the capital cities of Umuahia and Owerri remained calm as residents went about their daily activities, avoiding the protests.
As the protests continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the grievances driving the demonstrations.
The Federal Government’s response to the widespread discontent will be crucial in addressing the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
