Atiku son’s participation, over 14 killed… highlights of #EndBadGovernance protest day 1
Image Source: Daily Post
The #EndBadGovernance protest kicked off on August 1, 2024, with a series of impactful demonstrations across Nigeria, driven by widespread public demand for better governance.
The protests featured large gatherings, impassioned speeches, and significant acts of civil disobedience. Here’s a detailed overview of the key occurrences and highlights from the first day of the movement:
Atiku Abubakar’s Son Joins Protest
Shehu Atiku Abubakar, the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was seen participating in the economic
hardship protests in Lagos on August 1. However, he faced criticism from Nigerians for not protesting against Bola Tinubu’s government in his home state of Adamawa.
Looters, Curfew in Kano
The peaceful protest in Kano State,North-Central Nigeria, turned violent when police used tear gas on some protesters. Reports indicate that at least one person died after being allegedly shot by the police.
Hoodlums also looted the newly built Nigeria Communication Commission Industrial Park in Kano State. They targeted the Kano Information and Communication Technology Centre, setting it on fire and stealing valuable equipment just days before its planned launch.
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Niger, Kano, Oyo… states that have experienced protests over hardship
Looters also broke into a nearby warehouse, taking 25-liter cartons of vegetable oil and mattresses. In response, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a curfew in the state.
Violence in Abuja
The protest in Abuja started peacefully with a few demonstrators, but it turned violent as the number of protesters grew.
In Gwarinpa, along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, protesters became aggressive around midday. They attacked passersby, motorists, and structures while occupying the service lane at Dawaki near the Abuja Model City Gate.
Armed with cudgels, sharp stones, and sticks, they pursued anyone in their path. Motorists and commuters fled for safety, and police, soldiers, and Department of State Services personnel intervened to prevent further escalation.
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Over 14 People killed
Reports vary on the number of casualties. Punch reported that at least 17 people were killed across Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the protests. However, Vanguard reported 14 deaths, including six in Suleja, Niger State; four in Maiduguri, Borno State; three in Kaduna State; and one in Kebbi State.
No Protest in the East
In contrast, there were no protests observed in Abia, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, and Enugu states, unlike their counterparts in other regions of the federation.
