Protesters in Daura, Katsina State, participating in the
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, on Thursday set a bonfire near the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The protests, initially aimed at addressing hunger and governance issues, were reportedly hijacked by hoodlums in several parts of the state.
According to The PUNCH, witnesses reported injuries and property damage as the protests turned violent. In the state capital, Katsina, demonstrators carrying placards marched to the Government House to express their grievances.
However, before their arrival, hoodlums looted shops and vandalized property.
In Buhari’s hometown of Daura, residents set bonfires near the former President’s residence, chanting slogans in Hausa such as “Hunger wants to kill us” and “We don’t want.” Efforts to reach the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, for comments were unsuccessful.
Reports indicate that commercial activities in Katsina State were significantly disrupted due to the protests. Banks, markets, filling stations, motor parks, and offices were shut down, and major roads and streets were deserted.
A protest leader, Umar Jibrin explained that the protests were aimed at urging the government to address hunger, insecurity, and the restoration of the fuel subsidy. He highlighted the severe impact of these issues on Nigerians, particularly in the North.
“There are a lot of people who are dying because of hunger and insecurity. We embarked on this protest for the government to address these challenges. We are calling on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to restore fuel subsidy and tackle the issue of naira devaluation,” Jibrin stated.
