ABUJA — At least 14 people, including a police officer, lost their lives on the first day of nationwide protests against the growing hardship in Nigeria. The fatalities were recorded in Suleja, Niger State (6), Maiduguri, Borno State (4), Kaduna State (3), and Kebbi State (1).
The protests, which initially began peacefully, descended into violence, prompting the authorities to impose curfews in Borno and Kaduna states.
In addition to the deaths, dozens of protesters sustained injuries, notably in Suleja, where clashes erupted as security forces attempted to dismantle barricades on the Abuja-Kaduna highway. These barricades had trapped hundreds of passengers and motorists for hours.
In Suleja, tensions escalated when a group of protesters blocked a section of the highway. Security operatives struggled to control the large number of demonstrators.
Reinforcement teams were deployed to the scene, but the situation turned chaotic. Among those killed was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road.
Isah was hit by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, where protesters had gathered.
“He was my uncle; he was not even protesting,” a relative of Isah recounted. “He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ division where some people were protesting when a stray bullet hit him in the chest, and he died on the spot. As I speak with you, I am in his house, alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate.”
Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also died from stray bullets at the scene. The clashes in Suleja highlighted the dangerous volatility of the protests, which saw security forces and protesters engage in violent confrontations.
Elsewhere, in Maiduguri, Borno State, four protesters were killed as tensions flared. The Borno State government subsequently declared a curfew in an attempt to restore order. Similarly, in Kaduna State, three protesters lost their lives, leading to the imposition of a curfew to curb further violence.
While protests were largely peaceful in states like Lagos, Oyo, and Osun, there were reported clashes between police and demonstrators in Abuja, Delta, and Bayelsa states.
The nationwide protests reflect widespread frustration and anger over economic hardships, with citizens demanding immediate government action to alleviate their suffering.
In response to the violence, authorities have called for calm and urged protesters to engage in peaceful demonstrations. However, the events of the first day of protests indicate a deeply rooted discontent that could prove challenging to manage.
The deaths of the protesters, along with the policeman, have cast a shadow over the government’s handling of the situation. Calls for justice and accountability are growing louder, with many questioning the use of force by security operatives.
As the nation grapples with these protests, the government’s response and its ability to address the underlying economic issues will be critical in determining the future trajectory of these demonstrations.
The loss of lives has intensified the call for a more compassionate and effective approach to dealing with the grievances of the Nigerian populace.
