IGP talks powerful as… protests declare 9 in Niger, FCT, Katsina, Jigawa APC secretariat razed
According to the concern exercised in some quarters, the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests Thursday turned violent in some elements of Nigeria, with protesters in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Gombe states partaking in lethal clashes with safety businesses.
Prime on the calls for of the aggrieved protesters have been requires reversal of the gas worth hike, discount of import duties to what it was prior to now, and likewise the necessity for reasonably priced electrical energy tariffs.
It took a lethal flip in Katsina state as two individuals misplaced their lives and a few church buildings vandalised.
The protest started peacefully however rapidly escalated into violence.
It was noticed from movies circulating that the scenario spiralled uncontrolled, with some people benefiting from the chaos to loot and destroy properties.
Nonetheless, stories by Blueprint correspondents confirmed the protest was peaceable in different elements of the nation corresponding to Lagos and Rivers states, whereas Ekiti, Ondo, Ebonyi, Kwara and a few different states didn’t have a really feel of the train.
…FG’s plea
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some prime authorities functionaries, together with Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Minister of Info and Nationwide Orientation Mohammed Idris, had, at totally different instances, pleaded with organisers of the protest to embrace dialogue as authorities was responding to their calls for.
And simply Wednesday, the highest authorities officers held a world press convention to make additional pleas, however the organisers remained adamant.
…IGP goes powerful
In a troublesome stance, Inspector Basic of Police Kayode Egbetokun stated mass rebellion and looting have been being instigated by organisers, warning all these should cease.
To this finish, he has ordered all items on crimson alert and get mobilised to reply swiftly and decisively.
The police in an announcement shared by the Pressure Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Thursday night time, stated: “Our males deployed nationwide went out with a transparent transient to make sure that nobody is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In locations the place there have been court docket orders, we gave directions for observance of identical.”
…Minna
Report from Suleja and Tafa native authorities areas of Niger state stated six individuals have been reportedly killed, and Tafa council secretariat at Sabo Wuse set ablaze.
It was learnt that some miscreants of Tafa space of Kagarko native authorities space of Kaduna state and that of Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger state, mobilised and stormed Tafa LGA secretariat positioned alongside Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Sabon-Wuse Niger state at about 9.30am.
Within the Suleja incident, hassle was stated to have began when police dispersed nearly 1000 protesters gathered for the graduation of the protest by use of power.
Eye Witness account stated the scenario turned awry, leading to use of tear gass canisters whereas the protesters retaliated in identical proportion.
Talking to journalists, one of many protesters who pleaded anonymity stated: “The police engaged the protesters with tear gasoline and use of dwell bullets ensuing within the demise six individuals. Some (4) of them died on the spot whereas two others died on the best way to Gwagwalada hospital.”
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Niger state police command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident however declined to talk on casualty figures.
He nevertheless confirmed that the Tafa LGA secretariat was partially set ablaze after it was looted whereas two vehicles have been additionally burnt
Abiodun stated: “Following the nationwide protest slated to start as we speak 1st August, 2024, sadly this morning at about 0930hrs, some miscreants of Tafa space of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and that of Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger State mobilized and stormed Tafa LGA Secretariat of Niger State positioned alongside Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Sabon-Wuse Niger State.
“The hoodlums vandalized the Secretariat, partly set ablazed, two vehicles have been additionally burnt and two different vandalized. They additional looted valuables there-in, whereas the police and different safety businesses responded to the scene, and arrested eleven violent miscreants with totally different harmful weapons, together with firearms.”
He stated police and different safety businesses additionally responded to the blockage of the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, and previous toll-gate and the hoodlums have been dispersed, including that “presently, the expressway has been reopened for motorists and there’s free circulation of site visitors alongside the freeway.”
Blueprint nevertheless stories that the protest was peaceable in Bida whereas there have been nearly no protesters on the streets of Minna, the state capital.
…One killed in Abuja
In Abuja, a suburb of Abuja, the nation’s capital metropolis, pandemonium broke out on the NNPC junction Kubwa alongside the Suleja- Zuba axis when males of the Nigerian Police Pressure (NPF) shot a 16 year-old protester.
An eyewitness recounted to Blueprint that at about 4.00pm Thursday, some protesters have been burning tyres on the junction and was inflicting chaos and the Police males within the space cautioned them to cease and preserve peace within the space.
In accordance with the attention witness, whereas the Cops whereas attempting to disperse the protesters, it didn’t go properly with the protesters they usually beginning throwing stones and dangerous objects on the law enforcement officials.
She stated the Cops first retaliated with a tear gasoline inflicting protesters, merchants and passerby to run for his or her expensive lives.
She additional stated some protesters nonetheless confronted the law enforcement officials and a shot was fired at a protester which resulted in his demise.
“Instantly they shot the protester, they didn’t choose his corpse, they left him there and zoomed off of their van,” she stated.
However, previous to the Kubwa incident, protesters shifting in the direction of the three Arms Zones have been tear-gassed in a bid to disperse them and stop them from accessing the world.
The zone is the place the Nationwide Meeting, the Supreme Court docket, and the Aso Villa are positioned.
Armoured Personnel Carriers conveying troopers and police operatives have been deployed to stop the protesters from getting into the Three-Arms Zone.
Earlier, the Abuja protesters on the entrance of the MKO Abiola stadium have been advised by the police to maneuver into the stadium. They refused and as an alternative commenced a march in the direction of Eagle Sq., near the Three Arms Zone.
It was noticed that in an try to stop the protesters from accessing the enduring Eagle Sq. across the Three Arms Zone, the police fired tear gasoline indiscriminately.
As quickly because the protesters approached Eagle Sq., chaos ensued. The police stationed at strategic factors took up tactical positions across the protesters and fired tear gasoline at them.
Nonetheless, as an alternative of dispersing, the protesters have been regrouping.
Many protesters regrouped across the Ministry of Finance, blocking Ahmadu Bello Means and pushing again in the direction of the police.
Many individuals have been injured, and police particularly focused journalists and arrested at the least two of them, together with a PREMIUM TIMES journalist whose telephone was seized after he was crushed regardless of figuring out himself as a journalist.
The police additionally used tear gasoline to disperse one other set of protesters on the NYSC junction in Kubwa.
Additionally, some protesters, majority of whom have been Okada riders, stormed the Nyanya axis of the street chanting numerous songs of dissatisfaction with the federal authorities.
The protesters who wielded harmful weapons, barricaded the street at numerous intervals, burning tyres and likewise threatening to burn any automobile attempting to convey passengers out of the Nyanya Park.
Safety brokers comprising of the Police, Civil Defence and troopers tried frantically to stop the large protesters from crossing to the karu bridge part of the freeway, however have been overwhelmed.
The scenario additionally left a whole bunch of passengers stranded on the Nyanya Park as each industrial and personal automobiles have been disallowed from conveying passengers whereas the freeway grew to become their convergence level.
…Kaduna
In Kaduna state, youth in Zaria native authorities space of the state, got here out of their 1000’s.
One in every of our correspondents who visited Gwargwaje in Zaria native Authorities stories that the youth stormed the world the place they blocked Zaria-Kano and Zaria-Kaduna roads.
The protesters have been carrying placards with numerous inscriptions exhibiting their grievances, whereas the protest lasted with the police offering them with safety.
…Kano imposes 24-hour curfew
And from Kano state, Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf has declared 24- hour curfew in response to the ugly incident that unfolded throughout the protest.
The protest turned violent after some youth took to the streets with harmful weapons.
At about 10:15 a.m., they invaded a well-liked Rufaidah Yoghurt retailer in Hadejia Highway, Kano, and went on a looting spree.
The protesters additionally looted a but to be commissioned industrial park belonging to the Nigeria Communications Fee.
And asserting the imposition of curfew in an announcement Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, he stated the choice was arrived after an Emergency State Safety Council assembly devoted to addressing the escalating violence and disruptions that trailed the protest.
On July 31, 2024, the governor convened a city corridor assembly with numerous stakeholders, together with spiritual leaders, enterprise representatives, conventional leaders, academia, technocrats, youth and girls’s {groups}, and civil society organizations.
Throughout the assembly, the governor acknowledged the constitutional proper of residents to peacefully protest and expressed a dedication to addressing their issues, assuring that their grievances could be forwarded to Mr. President and Commander in Chief for consideration.
And Thursday morning, the representatives of the peaceable protesters submitted their calls for in writing, which the governor pledged to ship to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Whereas he counseled nearly all of demonstrators who voiced their issues in a accountable method, he expressed his disappointment that the protest had been hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who engaged in rampant looting, destruction of property, and violence towards harmless residents.
The governor emphasised that such actions, fueled by antagonistic parts, threatened the security and safety of all residents and have to be addressed vigorously.
“The imposition of this curfew is a needed measure to revive order and make sure the security of our communities,” stated the governor, including “It’s paramount that we shield our residents from additional hurt and protect the sanctity of our state’s establishments and companies.”
The governor referred to as on all residents to stay vigilant and united throughout this difficult time.
“Allow us to not enable the actions of some egocentric people to divide us. Collectively, we are able to navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to construct a stronger, extra resilient Kano State,” the assertion stated.
All safety businesses within the state have been directed to make sure full compliance with the curfew, and residents are urged to heed this directive for his or her security and the well-being of all.
…Yobe too
Like Kano, the Yobe state authorities introduced the imposition of curfew on Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru cities.
This adopted the choice by some hoodlums who took benefit of the protest to vandalise and loot authorities and personal properties.
That is contained in an announcement signed by the particular adviser to the governor on safety issues, Dahiru Abdussallam (Brig. Basic Retired)
Whereas advising members of the general public to abide by the curfew order and keep at house for peace to reign in these areas and the state at giant, the governor’s aide stated: “The Safety Companies have been directed to make sure enforcement and full compliance of the curfew order.”
As displayed in a few of the placards carried by the demonstrators, the protesters additionally referred to as for the reversal of many establishments’ hikes in tertiary training charges, the safety of farmlands for farmers, and a discount within the costs of staple meals, amongst different issues.
They’re additionally demanding full transparency and accountability in governance, together with the general public disclosure and discount of public officers’ salaries and allowances and an emergency fund to help SMEs.
…Zamfara
In Zamfara state, Blueprint stories that the protesters converged on Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital roundabout carrying some placards which contained, return our gas subsidy, dangerous governance, take away electrical energy tariff, open our borders and so forth.
Our correspondent noticed that few youth and under-age kids have been primarily cited within the protest which started at round 8:30am.
Nonetheless, the joint safety forces have been mounted at some strategic locations which embrace Authorities Home, Gusau central market, central motor pack, mosques, amongst others.
The state authorities had Wednesday closed all public faculties forward of the for concern of doable unrest.
Addressing the protesters who stormed the principle gate of the authorities home Gusau, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal acknowledged all of the issues raised and promising forwarding identical to Abuja.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Venture Implementation, Nasiru Zurmi, the governor referred to as on the federal authorities to give you options to the present socioeconomic hardship that the Nigerians are going through.
…Lagos
In Ojota, Ogudu Ketu setting, enterprise actions have been paralysed as protesters gathered in entrance of the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, chanting “all we’re saying finish dangerous governance”
The protest at Ojota was peaceable as safety officers like Police, civil defence and others surrounded the setting to make sure the safety of the protesters.
The protest was organised in such a means that vehicles and industrial automobiles have been allowed to move with none type of harassment, at the same time as all outlets closed down.
A police officer who spoke with Blueprint on a situation of anomynity stated that the {groups} weren’t given alternative to have interaction in any type of protest due to the unfavorable impression of EndSars protest that was hijacked by hoodlums halfway.
…Police serve protesters refreshment in Edo
Studies from Edo state confirmed that the state Commissioner of Police in Edo state, Funsho Adegboye, counseled residents protesting {economic} hardship for his or her peaceable conduct.
Adegboye, who addressed the protesters on the Kings Sq. in Benin Metropolis on Thursday stated: “I’m impressed by the methods the protesters peacefully carried out themselves and I urged them to maintain it.”.
The CP thereafter distributed water snacks, and biscuits to the protesters in appreciation of their peaceable conduct.
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) occupied the King Sq. for the protest. The venue was the one place designated by the police.
Members of the coalition erected a podium with musical devices at about 7.30Am and commenced to precise their grievances.
Males of the Edo State Police Command have been additionally on the venue to watch and supply the mandatory safety safety.
A mixed group of the Nigerian Military, policemen and an armed squad of the Nigeria Correctional centre have been stationed on the Correctional Centre on the Benin-Sapele street.
…Police warn organisers, say this should cease
Taking robust exception to the looting that accompanied the train Thursday, IGP Egbetokun stated: “Regrettably, occasions in some main cities as we speak confirmed that what was being instigated was mass rebellion and looting, not protest. Those that have been within the forefront of selling the concept of the protest weren’t round to steer it.
“Hoodlums have been let free on harmless Nigerians and their hard-earned companies and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was mainly two; loot and destroy each non-public and authorities property. The destruction to date has been mind-boggling.
“There was destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there was makes an attempt to take over authorities homes, looting of presidency infrastructures, a number of warehouses and outlets have to date been looted and, in a number of situations, fully destroyed.”
The assertion additional stated: “Despite the refusal of the protesters, for example in FCT to stick to a court docket order requesting that protest in Abuja needs to be on the Nationwide Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and but the police supplied safety for them. At no level did we breach their elementary rights at the same time as they breached court docket order.
“In locations like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, amongst others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked assaults on safety personnel, the place one policeman has been reported murdered and others critically injured.”
“In the present day in Borno state, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred within the crowd of protesters killing 4 immediately and severely injuring 34 others, a lot of whom are presently on hazard listing.
“We want to advise regulation abiding residents of Nigeria to heed and never dismiss warnings given by the police and different safety businesses which have been primarily based on credible and actionable safety intelligence.
“Within the mild of the present scenario, the Nigeria Police Pressure has positioned all items on crimson alert. Our officers are totally mobilized and ready to reply swiftly and decisively to any additional threats to public security and order.
“We stay dedicated and resolute to defending lives and property and making certain that regulation and order are maintained throughout the nation. {Groups} who’re hiding beneath the guise of train of a proper supplied within the Structure to destabilise the nation ought to do not forget that the identical Structure imposed on them the responsibility to obey the legal guidelines of the land and respect the rights of different residents.
“The Police are outfitted to reply appropriately to the unfolding scenario and can get help from different safety businesses, together with the navy if the necessity arises.
“We attraction to all residents to stay calm and cooperate with the Police and different safety businesses throughout this difficult interval. Your security is our prime precedence, and we’ll proceed to take all needed measures to make sure continued peace and stability in our nation,” the assertion added. (Further report from Premium Occasions)