Nationwide protests against rising hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria have led to violent outbreaks in Kaduna and Zaria, prompting the state government to enforce a dusk-to-dawn curfew. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent address urging calm, demonstrations persist in multiple cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Jos, Benin, Kano, and Zamfara.
The economic fallout from the protests has been severe, with the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) and the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KACCIMA) estimating over N700 billion in losses nationwide. Lagos alone accounted for N600 billion, while Kano suffered over N100 billion in economic damage.
In Kaduna, the situation took a dire turn as miscreants exploited the chaos, looting shops and harassing citizens. One such incident in the Kawo area saw a thief beaten by a mob before being handed over to authorities. These criminal elements also blocked major routes, robbing travelers at knifepoint.
A large procession of protesters, many of whom were women and children waving Russian flags, attempted to occupy the NEPA roundabout. Security forces dispersed them when looting began. In Tudun Wada, Kaduna, clashes between youths and police required military intervention after the protesters commandeered an Armoured Personnel Carrier.
In Zaria, about 75 kilometers from Kaduna, looting was rampant but contained by security forces. Reports indicated that two individuals were killed during an altercation with security personnel.
The protests also caused significant disruptions in other regions. In Kano, business losses exceeded N100 billion, as stated by Usman Darma of KACCIMA. The Dawanau grain market alone reported losses of over N2 billion. Similarly, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted the difficulty of recovering from extensive financial damages inflicted by the protests.
In Zamfara, protesters carried Russian flags, seeking attention from President Vladimir Putin. However, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria distanced itself from these actions, emphasizing non-interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
As the unrest continues, President Tinubu met with security officials in a closed-door meeting to address the situation. Police have arrested over 800 individuals involved in criminal activities under the guise of protests, including 31 people distributing Russian flags.
Despite the imposition of curfews in various states, pockets of resistance remain, with hoodlums continuing to challenge law enforcement.
