ABUJA, Nigeria – Violence erupted during the #EndBadGovernance protests across several Nigerian states, resulting in extensive damage to properties and clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
The headquarters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Jigawa State was set ablaze during the #EndBadGovernance protest which began on Thursday, August 1, 2024, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing demonstrations.
APC Headquarters in Jigawa State Torched
The APC secretariat in Jigawa State’s capital, Dutse, was engulfed in flames after irate youths broke into the facility, destroying billboards and promotional materials before setting it on fire.
Cars parked within the premises were also torched.
Security personnel attempted to control the armed youths, but the situation quickly escalated, spreading violence to other parts of the state.
The homes of several political figures, including the House of Representatives member representing Gumel, Gagarawa, and Maigarati, and the APC Zonal Vice Chairman, were also attacked by the protesters.
Nationwide Protests Turn Deadly in Katsina State
In Katsina State, the nationwide protest took a tragic turn when the APC office in Dutsinma Local Government Area was burnt down.
During clashes with police, one protester was reportedly killed and a police officer injured.
The protest, which started peacefully, was later infiltrated by groups carrying sticks and leaves, chanting “Bamuyi Bamuyi.” The absence of security agents around these groups led to further chaos.
Around the Katsina State Government House, hoodlums infiltrated the crowd, attacking security personnel with stones and other objects, forcing the police to deploy tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
ASP Sadiq Abubakar, the spokesperson for the Katsina Police Command, confirmed the arson at the APC office but stated that no deaths of protesters had been officially reported.
Destruction in Niger State
In Niger State, protesters set the Tafa Local Government Secretariat in Sabon Wuse ablaze along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway.
The incident, which occurred around 9:30 a.m., resulted in two cars being burnt, two others vandalized, and valuables looted.
The protest caused significant traffic hold-ups before a combination of security agencies intervened and dispersed the crowd.
DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, confirmed that eleven individuals had been arrested and that traffic had resumed along the expressway.
“Some miscreants from the Tafa area of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger State mobilized and stormed the Tafa LGA Secretariat of Niger State,” Abiodun said in a statement.
“They vandalized the Secretariat, set it partly ablaze, and looted valuables. Security agencies responded promptly, arresting eleven miscreants with dangerous weapons and recovering some looted items.”
Suleja Protest Casualties
Unconfirmed reports from Suleja indicated that six protesters were shot while attempting to burn down the Police “A” Division in the town.
However, police authorities have not provided any comments on the incident.
Ongoing Security Concerns
The widespread violence underscores the growing unrest and dissatisfaction among Nigerians, particularly the youth, with governance in the country.
The #EndBadGovernance protests has highlighted significant grievances that continue to resonate nationwide.
Authorities have called for calm, urging the public to go about their lawful duties while assuring them of their safety.
DSP Wasiu Abiodun stated, “We assure the public that the safety of their lives and property are guaranteed, and efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing miscreants.”
As the situation develops, the nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the underlying issues fueling the protests.
