Kano, Nigeria’s second-largest state, has been placed under a curfew following a wave of protests triggered by the escalating cost of living.
Initially sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions, the demonstrations quickly turned chaotic as groups of looters took advantage of the unrest, leading to significant property damage and violence.
The governor’s office announced the curfew as a necessary measure to restore order and ensure public safety.
The protests, which saw thousands of participants across major cities, were characterized by chants of “We are hungry” and calls for an end to what many perceive as poor governance.
The unrest was fueled by the recent removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu, a decision that has led to skyrocketing prices for essential goods and services. As demonstrators gathered in Kano, police responded with tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in injuries to several individuals.
In a dramatic turn of events, protesters set tires ablaze in front of the governor’s residence, while looters raided nearby warehouses, carrying away large quantities of cooking oil and mattresses. The situation escalated quickly, forcing the governor to impose a curfew that restricts residents to their homes in an effort to quell the violence and prevent further looting.
Inspiration from Kenya
The protests have been organized largely through social media, drawing inspiration from recent successful demonstrations in Kenya that led to the reversal of tax increases.
Activists in Nigeria are demanding not only the reinstatement of fuel subsidies but also comprehensive reforms in the electoral system and the judiciary. Many protesters expressed their frustration over the government’s inability to address their grievances, with one demonstrator in Abuja stating, “Hunger is the reason why we’re all here.”
Despite government appeals for patience, the mood among protesters remains defiant. Many are unwilling to wait for the promised benefits of new policies, especially as the economic situation worsens. Activists have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met, emphasizing that the struggle for better living conditions and governance will persist until tangible changes are implemented.
