Nationwide protests against hunger and poor governance turned violent in Kaduna and Zaria, prompting the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew. The unrest also continued in Lagos, Abuja, Jos, Benin, Kano, and Zamfara, despite President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Sunday.
According to the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) and the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KACCIMA), the protests have resulted in an economic loss of over N700 billion in the first five days. Lagos alone recorded losses of N600 billion, while Kano incurred over N100 billion in losses.
Miscreants hijacked the protest in Kaduna, looting shops and snatching cell phones. One miscreant was beaten and handed over to security operatives in Kawo. The hoodlums also stopped vehicles and seized valuables from passengers. The procession of protesters, mainly youths, children, and women waving Russian flags, moved from Kawo to the NEPA roundabout but was dispersed by security forces after looting began.
In Zaria, 75 kilometers from Kaduna, massive looting occurred, but security forces managed to contain the situation. Two hoodlums were reportedly killed while trying to assault a security operative.
The protests also affected Gusau in Zamfara State, where demonstrators hoisted Russian flags, hoping to attract the attention of President Vladimir Putin. A protester said they sought Russia’s help since the West had abandoned them. The state remained tense, with a curfew in place to prevent further violence.
Businesses in Kano Suffer Major Losses
Usman Darma, former Deputy President of KACCIMA, reported that Kano incurred losses of over N100 billion in five days. Seventy percent of the state’s economy relies on commerce, and the protests have severely impacted businesses. The President of Nigeria’s largest grain market, Dawanau, Muntaka Isa, estimated losses at over N2 billion.
In Abuja, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted the difficulty of recovering from the financial losses caused by the protests. The Federal Capital Territory experienced shutdowns of major business areas and extensive property damage, leading to hundreds of millions in losses.
Federal Offices Deserted, Protests Persist in Abuja
Federal offices in Abuja remained deserted as the protests continued. Petty traders, who rely on government workers, saw slow business. The demonstrators demand an end to hunger, food inflation, and bad governance, as well as the return of fuel subsidies.
Security Forces Respond to Violence
In Kaduna, soldiers intervened to restore order after miscreants overpowered security operatives. The hoodlums reportedly seized an armoured personnel carrier before the military arrived. The police warned that vandals would be treated as criminals.
Russia Denies Involvement in Protests
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria denied involvement with the national flags displayed during the protests. They stated that the flags were a personal choice of the protesters and did not reflect any official Russian policy.
Government Response and Arrests
President Tinubu met with security chiefs to address the ongoing unrest. Meanwhile, police arrested 31 individuals for producing and distributing Russian flags, which they described as treason. The total number of arrests related to the protests has risen to 873.
Despite the government’s attempts to address the protests, demonstrators remain undeterred. The economic impact is significant, with businesses across the country suffering major losses. The protests, marked by violence and looting, highlight the deep-seated frustrations of Nigerians with the current state of governance.
Source: Vanguard
