The protests against hardship, hunger and bad governance have taken a different turn as hoodlums have been reported to have hijacked the demonstration.
The protests which began peacefully, suddenly turned violent, with these hoodlums’ raiding stores and private properties, and reportedly destroying public buildings.
Security operatives have reportedly arrested some hoodlums who were caught causing mayhem on the streets.
In Kano state, individuals were spotted vandalizing street lights, and throwing stones at the Nigerian Army.
The situation became chaotic, with many people running for cover as the military clashed with some violent protesters who were heard shouting “Bamayi” meaning (We are no longer interested).
Also, in Kaduna, about three people have been reportedly killed and many protesters injured as an earlier protest that began peaceful turned violent.
According to an eye witness, the number of protesters mostly youths and the unemployed, outnumbered the security operatives. They marched from the Rigasa area and from the Abakwa end, towards the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the official residence and office of the state Governor.
The protester who pleaded for anonymity, explained that, “we were marching peacefully and no one was carrying any offensive weapon.
“I think the security operatives near the Government House were threatened by our large number. Suddenly, a vehicle, that they use to spray hot water on protesters, came speeding towards us from the Government House axis and sprayed us with hot water. Then another security vehicle came at speed from the 44 Reference Hospital end.”
“In the confusion that ensued and as we scampered to save ourselves from being hit by the security vehicles, 3 peaceful protesters were hit and they died.No one carried any weapon, we were just carrying placards and chanted slogans against bad governance,” he said.
ABUJA: Police arrest man with knife trying to attack protesters in FCT.#EndBadGovernanceProtest
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) August 1, 2024
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