14 Killed in Protests as Yobe, Kano, and Borno Implement Curfews
ABUJA — On the first day of protests against the country’s hardships, at least 14 people, including a policeman, lost their lives.
The fatalities included six in Suleja (Niger State), four in Maiduguri (Borno State), three in Kaduna State, and one in Kebbi State.
Besides the deaths, curfews were imposed in Borno and Kaduna states after the protests, which started peacefully, turned violent.
There were clashes between police and protesters in Abuja, Delta, and Bayelsa states, but the protests remained mostly peaceful in Lagos, Oyo, and Osun states.
In Suleja, where many were injured, the deaths occurred as security forces tried to remove protesters who had set up roadblocks on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, trapping many passengers and drivers for hours.
The police, outnumbered by the protesters, struggled to control the situation. Reinforcements were eventually sent to handle the chaos.
One of the deceased, Yahaya Nda Isah from Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, was hit by a stray bullet while riding his bike near the Suleja Police ‘A’ division where protesters had gathered. His nephew said he was not part of the protest but was struck by the bullet while passing by.
Another victim, Mallam Abu, also died from stray bullets. A resident who wished to remain anonymous said three others were shot at the same location, and two more were shot at Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, though it wasn’t clear if they survived.
One resident said he ran for his life when he heard gunshots and saw people shouting for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout, describing the situation in Suleja as dire.
Protesters also set fire to the Tafa local government secretariat in Sabon Wuse along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway at around 9:30 am. They burned two cars, vandalized two more, and looted valuables from the secretariat, causing severe traffic jams on the busy expressway.
Security forces eventually intervened, dispersing the vandals. DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that eleven people had been arrested and that the highway was cleared for traffic. He added that the protesters had targeted the Tafa LGA Secretariat and caused significant damage.
