What the Protesters’ Placards Say as they Protest
“Hunger go kill us before police kill us”
“We are not here to fight, we just want to be heard, End bad governance”
“Na hungry we de hungry, we no kill person”
“Tell them freedom is a must”
“Tinubu, people are suffering”
Zamfara Protesters Demand End to Poverty and Return of Fuel Subsidy
Early Thursday morning, hundreds of young protesters, aged 15 to 20, stormed the Government House in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara state, demanding action to end poverty and ensure food security in Nigeria.
In addition, protesters blocked the main street linking Dallatu area to Sabuwar Kasuwa, preventing motorists from passing and calling for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate the fuel subsidy and open borders to allow food imports.
One of the protesters, 17-year-old Abdullahi Dalibi, told our correspondent that they are fighting for their rights and the rights of their future. He expressed frustration that the current leaders prioritize their own interests and those of their relatives over the welfare of the masses.
As our correspondent toured other areas of Gusau, children were seen playing football while security agents patrolled the streets to ensure the protection of lives and properties and prevent potential lawlessness.
Youth Protesters Barricade Streets and Government House in Sokoto
Hundreds of youths have barricaded major streets and the Government House in Sokoto, chanting slogans in the ongoing nationwide protest against economic hardship. The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions, are demanding the reintroduction of the fuel subsidy and a reversion of the exchange rate to N400 per US dollar. They attribute these issues as the primary causes of hunger, poverty, inflation, and general hardship across the country.
The protest began at Alu Bridge on Kano Road, with groups converging from different locations, including Ali Akilu, Gawon Nama, Arkilla, Unguwar Rogo, Gagi, and Tamaje. They proceeded through the Government House roundabout and Round Mairuwa, finally converging at the Government House. Combined security operatives prevented their entry into the premises. While security forces continue to patrol various locations, business activities and public offices remain operational. However, some groups have vandalized metallic wares along Ahmadu Bello Way during the protest.
Chaos in Nyanya and Mararaba as Protesters Overwhelm Security Forces
In the Nyanya axis of Karu Local Government Council of the Federal Capital Territory and the neighboring Mararaba town in Nasarawa State, protests against bad governance have caused significant disruption. Business activities have ground to a halt as protesters took over the streets and major roads. Despite the presence of security personnel, including the military, police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilantes, the protesters, wielding dangerous weapons and stones, have overwhelmed the security forces.
The protesters blocked the major Abuja/Keffi Expressway, preventing vehicular and human movements. Banks in the area have been locked, and market vendors and shop owners have closed their businesses to avoid looting. Soldiers patrolling the area have fired shots into the air to scare the protesters, but their efforts have been largely ineffective.
Lagos Protesters Block Ikorodu Road, Ignore Designated Parks
In Lagos, protesters have shunned the designated Gani Fawenhimi Freedom Park and Peace Park at Ojota, instead choosing to block Ikorodu Road while chanting anti-Tinubu slogans. Despite pleas from the state Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, to vacate the area, the protesters remained resolute, stating that the parks were not suitable for their demonstration.
The protesters marched from Ikeja to Ojota, accusing the police of threatening to use force if they did not use the designated parks. Commissioner Fayoade has urged the protesters to maintain peace and avoid violence as they continue their demonstration.
Port Harcourt: Deserted Streets and Closed Shops
In Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, major streets and markets have been deserted as the nationwide protests against economic hardship begin. Key roads such as Port Harcourt/Aba express road, Odili road, Abuloma road, and Eastern by-pass are empty, with commuters trekking due to the absence of commercial vehicles. Armed policemen are conducting stop-and-search operations to prevent potential violence.
Kano: Protest Erupts Against Government
In Kano State, protesters, mostly youths, have gathered at the entrance of the state government house, chanting slogans like “Bamuyi” (no to bad governance) and “chanji muke so” (we want change). They displayed placards expressing their displeasure with the government. Simultaneously, pro-government supporters have occupied Audu Bako Way. An attempted looting incident at the Zoo road area was quickly dispersed by security forces.
Owerri: Empty Streets and Closed Markets
In Owerri, Imo State, the protests have led to deserted streets and closed shops. Major markets and transportation hubs are shut down, and business activities have come to a halt. Residents cite recent shootings and ongoing rains as reasons for staying indoors. Some are waiting for the situation to calm down before resuming their activities.
Umuahia: Normal Life Amid Protests
In Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, life continues as usual despite the nationwide protests. Residents are going about their daily routines, and there is no significant disruption. Streets are busy, and businesses remain open, with no protesters or security personnel seen around.
Maiduguri: Peaceful Protesters Demand Fuel Subsidy Reversal
In Maiduguri, Borno State, a peaceful protest took place along Gomari Airport-Bulumkutu Ward. Protesters carried placards with messages like “Ba Maso” (we no agree), “Tinubu must reverse or bring back fuel subsidy,” and “We are dying of hunger and insecurity.” The protest remained peaceful, with some security personnel waving at the demonstrators.
Abuja: Protesters Occupy Central Business District
In Abuja, thousands of protesters have shut down the Central Business District, highlighting issues like hunger and economic hardship. The area, typically bustling with government and corporate activity, is now largely empty, with security agents monitoring the situation. Protesters are marching towards the Eagle Square Arena, chanting slogans like “We dey Hungry” and “Nigerian government is a scam.” Business activities have come to a standstill, though the protest remains peaceful.
Protest at National Stadium: Lawyer Urges Police Restraint
In Abuja, lawyer Deji Adeyanju has appealed to the FCT Police Commissioner to allow the protest at the National Stadium to continue without escalation. Adeyanju insists that the protesters are within their rights to demonstrate near the stadium and emphasizes the need for the government to reverse the fuel subsidy removal. He noted that many protesters would support the President if the subsidy were reinstated.
Nationwide Impact
The nationwide protests have highlighted widespread discontent with economic hardship, high living costs, unemployment, and perceived government inaction. While some areas remain calm, others are seeing significant disruptions, with concerns about potential impacts on government and economic activities as the situation evolves.
