The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria escalated into violence in several major cities, including Kano, Gombe, and Abuja. In Kano, at approximately 10:15 a.m., protesters invaded the Rufaidah Yoghurt store on Hadejia Road, leading to widespread looting.
The unrest did not stop there; the protesters also targeted an industrial park belonging to the Nigeria Communications Commission, which had yet to be commissioned.
In Abuja, the situation grew tense as protesters at the entrance of the MKO Abiola stadium refused police orders to move inside and instead marched towards Eagle Square near the Three Arms Zone.
The police responded by firing tear gas indiscriminately to prevent them from accessing the area, resulting in chaos and injuries.
Protesters regrouped around the Ministry of Finance, blocking Ahmadu Bello Way and clashing with police forces, who specifically targeted journalists, arresting at least two, including a PREMIUM TIMES journalist.
Meanwhile, in Gombe, what began as peaceful protests quickly turned violent, necessitating intervention by security officials. Local leaders and community organizations have called for calm and dialogue to address the underlying issues that sparked the protests.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State had previously voiced his opposition to the protests, stating that they were not the solution to Nigeria's challenges. He emphasized the need for alternative ways to express grievances and highlighted the government's efforts to alleviate economic hardships, including the recent approval of N1.1 billion to support students and women entrepreneurs in the state.
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