Nigeria on the Brink as Protests Against Hardship Turn Violent

Nigeria is teetering on the edge of chaos as protests against economic hardship and bad governance turned violent, with reports of looting, killings, and arson in various parts of the country.

The protests, which began on Thursday, August 1, 2024, have been marked by clashes between protesters and security agents, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Despite the government’s attempts to quell the protests, citizens continue to demand change, calling for an end to corruption, improved living conditions, and economic reforms.

Borno, Kano, Nasarawa, Yobe Gov’t Declare 24-hour Curfew

In response to the escalating violence, the governments of Borno, Kano, Nasarawa, and Yobe states have imposed 24-hour curfews in volatile areas.

The curfews aim to curb the looting, violence, and other after-effects of the protests. Kano and Borno state governments imposed 24-hour state-wide curfews, while Yobe restricted movement in three LGAs, and Nasarawa imposed movement in one charged LGA.

Katsina government imposed a 24-hour curfew in Dutsin-Ma LGA and 12-hour curfew in the remaining 33 LGAs. The curfews have caused inconvenience to residents, but the governments insist they are necessary to maintain law and order. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid any gatherings.

Protesters Breach Security, Gain Access to Kano Government House

Despite the curfews, protesters in Kano State breached security and gained access to the government house, leading to a tense situation.

The protesters also stormed the residence of the Emir of Kano, causing chaos in the area. The Emir’s palace was vandalized, and several cars were burnt. The protesters demanded to see the Emir, but he was not present.

They also demanded the resignation of the Kano State Governor, accusing him of corruption and mismanagement.

Storms Buhari, Emir’s Residence in Daura

In Daura, Katsina State, protesters stormed the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari, blocking the road linking Mai’adua-Daura and Katsina. The protesters demanded that Buhari address them, but he was not present.

The protesters vandalized several cars and properties in the area, including the Daura Local Government Secretariat. They also attacked the residence of the Emir of Daura, causing chaos in the area.

Protest Paralyses Interstate Transport in Lagos

The protests have also paralyzed interstate transport in Lagos, causing disruptions to daily activities. Many commuters were stranded, and businesses were forced to close. The protesters blocked major highways, including the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. The Lagos State Government has advised residents to stay indoors and avoid any gatherings.

Tension Palpable as Protests Continue

The situation remains tense as protests continue across the country, with many calling for an end to bad governance and economic hardship. The protesters demand the restoration of petrol subsidies, forex regime reforms, and immediate reforms of the electoral umpire INEC and anti-graft agency EFCC.

They also demand the removal of the current government, accusing them of corruption and mismanagement. The protests have been peaceful in some areas, but violent in others.

Abuja Residents Protest

In Abuja, residents protested against the government’s policies, demanding reforms and improved living conditions. The protests started on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and are scheduled to stretch till August 10 across all states of the Federation as well as the nation’s capital Abuja.

The protesters marched through the streets, carrying placards and banners with various inscriptions. They demanded the resignation of the President and the entire cabinet, accusing them of corruption and mismanagement.

Police Tear-Gas Youths, Activists Kick

The police have been accused of using tear gas against peaceful protesters, leading to condemnations from civil society organizations. Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa berated security agents for “provoking” peaceful protesters across the country.

Olawale Okunniyi of the United Action Front of Civil Society Organised Civil Society knocked the police for tear-gassing “defenceless protesters” in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Bauchi, and other states in the country.

The police have denied using excessive force, but eyewitnesses have contradicted their claims.

IGP Laments Breach of Peace, Security

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has denounced the widespread violence, looting, and destruction of property that occurred during the nationwide protests on August 1, 2024. Despite warnings and intelligence suggesting potential anarchy, some groups refused to cooperate with the police, leading to chaos and destruction.

The Police Chief made this known while delivering speech on day one of the planned nationwide protests, saying that hoodlums were unleashed on innocent citizens, resulting in the destruction of police stations, government houses, and private property.

Egbetokun said the police provided security despite court orders being breached, but were met with unprovoked attacks, resulting in the murder of one officer and injuries to others.

Egbetokun also revealed that terror elements may have infiltrated the protests, citing an incident in Lagos where an improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered and rendered safe. In Borno State, an explosion occurred during a protest, killing four people and injuring 34 others.

The Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert and is fully mobilized to respond to further threats. The IGP urged law-abiding citizens to heed warnings and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and stability

IGP Puts Men On Red Alert

The Inspector General of Police has placed his men on red alert, citing widespread looting and violence. He lamented that events in major cities on Thursday were “mass uprising and looting, not protests”. “Police stations have been destroyed. There have been attempts to take over government houses,” Egbetokun said. He warned that the police would not hesitate to use force to maintain law and order. The IGP has also deployed anti-riot police units to volatile areas to quell the protests.

Will Protests Continue Friday?

Despite the challenges, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations on Friday, demanding change and improved governance. Activist Deji Adeyanju challenged the IGP to name the policeman he claimed was killed, saying it was not true that a cop was killed. “The looting that happened were by government thugs,” the lawyer alleged. The protesters have also called on the international community to intervene, accusing the government of human rights abuses.

Government Accuses Protesters of Violence

The government has accused the protesters of violence and vandalism, saying they would not be tolerated. The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, said the government would not hesitate to use force to maintain law and order. He accused the protesters of being sponsored by opposition parties and foreign interests. The government has also set up a committee to investigate the violence and looting.

International Community Calls for Calm

The international community has called for calm, urging the government and protesters to engage in dialogue. The US Embassy in Nigeria has issued a statement condemning the violence and calling for restraint. The European Union has also called for calm, urging the government to address the grievances of the protesters.

Human Rights Groups Condemn Police Brutality

Human rights groups have condemned the police brutality, accusing the government of human rights abuses. Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the police brutality, saying it was unacceptable. The Human Rights Watch has also condemned the police brutality, saying it was a violation of human rights.

Protesters Vow to Continue Demonstrations

Despite the challenges, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations, demanding change and improved governance. They have called on the government to address their grievances, saying they would not back down. The protests have been peaceful in some areas, but violent in others. The government has accused the protesters of violence and vandalism, but the protesters say they are peaceful.