Millions of residents in northern Nigeria have been placed under 24-hour curfews as protests against the high cost of living sweep the nation. The states of Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, and Katsina have been ordered to stay indoors on Friday, with authorities citing concerns over looting and vandalism by “hoodlums” who have infiltrated the demonstrations.
The protests, organized via social media, have been inspired by the recent success of demonstrators in Kenya, who pressured the government to abandon plans for tax increases. In Nigeria, the unrest has been fueled by President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies, leading to a sharp rise in prices for essential goods.
The first day of protests in Kano saw a massive turnout, with police resorting to live bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Tragically, three people were shot dead and many others were injured. Looters also targeted a warehouse near the governor’s residence, resulting in the arrest of 269 individuals and the recovery of stolen goods.
In Borno state, a curfew was imposed following a deadly bombing that claimed the lives of 16 people in Kawori. While the attack has not been claimed, suspicions point to the notorious jihadist group Boko Haram, which has been active in the region for over a decade.
Despite the heavy-handed response from security forces, protesters continue to demand not only relief from the economic hardships but also comprehensive reforms to the electoral system and judiciary. The demonstrations have been largely peaceful in the south but have faced crackdowns in the north, prompting authorities to implement strict curfews to maintain order.
As the movement gains momentum, with nine more “days of rage” planned, the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its citizens and restore calm to the nation.
