In the early hours of Thursday, August 1st, 2024, thousands of youths took to the streets of Kano, brandishing clubs and cutlasses as they ignited bonfires across various parts of the metropolis. The protest, part of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance movement, saw demonstrators carrying placards with messages such as ‘End Bad Governance’, ‘We are Hungry’, ‘Justice for Masses’, and ‘We are Looking for a Change’.
The unrest quickly escalated as some protesters attempted to break into stores along Zoo Road, prompting swift intervention from security operatives. The police, alongside the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were strategically positioned throughout the city to maintain order and prevent further violence.
Amidst the chaos, journalists covering the event faced significant danger. About 11 journalists narrowly escaped death when hoodlums attacked a Channels TV vehicle on Sokoto Road. The attackers, wielding dangerous weapons, smashed the vehicle's windows, causing injuries to TVC correspondent Ibrahim Isah, who sustained cuts from shattered glass. This incident highlighted the perilous conditions under which media personnel operate during such volatile events.
Despite the heavy security presence, the protest in Kano mirrored similar demonstrations across Nigeria, where citizens voiced their frustrations over the soaring cost of living and fuel prices. In Lagos and Abuja, police fired tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to light bonfires outside government offices. The widespread discontent underscores the urgent need for governmental reforms to address the grievances of the Nigerian populace.
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