EndBadGovernance Protest Intensifies, Security Forces Confront Protesters Across Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – The #EndBadGovernance protest, which has swept across Nigeria, escalated on its second day as security forces clashed with demonstrators in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. In Lagos, thugs menacingly threatened to behead protesters and journalists, while police officers looked on. Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, protesters converged at the Federal Secretariat area.

At the Ojota protest grounds in Lagos, activist Zokira Ibeh detailed the escalating situation to Middle Belt Times: “We gathered here as early as 7 a.m. Initially, it was peaceful until about 20 thugs arrived, causing a surge in tension. They explicitly threatened to behead me and a media person. It’s crucial to note that the Police, who are duty-bound to protect us during this peaceful protest, were present but did nothing as thugs disrupted our demonstration.”

In contrast, Ibadan, Oyo State, has thus far remained relatively calm, with businesses resuming operations.

In Abuja, a contingent of heavily armed Nigerian Police officers forcibly dispersed a group of protesters near Berger Bridge. The protesters, chanting “Hunger dey oo, hunger dey ooo” (There’s hunger, there’s hunger), were met with tear gas and forceful dispersal by the officers. Passers-by and motorists, caught off-guard, criticized the police for their heavy-handed approach.

As the protest continues, the situation remains volatile, with calls for an end to bad governance echoing across the nation amid growing concerns over the safety of protesters and the role of law enforcement in maintaining public order.

Middle Belt Forum’s Caution on Kaduna Protest Vindicated as Hoodlums Vandalize Government Offices

Kaduna, Nigeria – Following the recent incidents of vandalism and looting during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kaduna State, the earlier advisory by the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State chapter, urging Middle Belt youths to refrain from participating in the protest appears prescient. The MBF had expressed concerns that the protest, aimed at addressing governance issues, could be exploited by unknown sponsors for ulterior motives, as reported by the Middle Belt Times on July 24, 2024.

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that hoodlums vandalized the offices of the State Traffic and Law Environmental Authority (KASTLEA) and the Investment Promotions Agency (KADIPA) during the protest. Additionally, an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was set ablaze, and numerous shops were looted. Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 23 suspects have been detained in connection with these incidents.

Hassan also noted that while police personnel did not use live ammunition, they resorted to tear gas to disperse the crowd, which attempted to breach the Government House. Several officers sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.

The MBF’s earlier statement, cautioning against the involvement of Middle Belt youths in the protest, highlighted potential security risks and the possibility of foreign elements escalating the situation into violence. This foresight has been validated by the events that unfolded, underscoring the importance of strategic caution in public demonstrations.

As the situation in Kaduna State continues to unfold, the MBF’s stance serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and unity among residents to safeguard their welfare and the integrity of their collective voice against governance challenges.

For further details on the MBF’s initial advisory, please refer to the original report published by the Middle Belt Times at Middle Belt Times Article.

 One Person Allegedly Shot Dead on Live Video as Violent Clashes Erupt During Protest in Kaduna State

A shocking video has surfaced on social media, showing a person being shot dead during violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Kaduna State. The video, retrieved by a Twitter user, captures the chaotic scene as tensions escalate near the government house.

The protest, which began peacefully in the morning around the NEPA roundabout, quickly turned violent as police officers fired on demonstrators to disperse the crowd. Tear gas filled the air, and reports indicate that at least two protesters were injured, with one feared dead after being hit by a bullet. The police also reported that one of their officers was injured during the confrontation.

The protesters had gathered in large numbers to voice their dissatisfaction with government policies and programs. However, the demonstration was hijacked by some hoodlums, leading to the violent clashes witnessed at the government house.

As the situation unfolded, smoke filled the air, and tires were set ablaze by the protesters. Security operatives, including armed forces personnel, were deployed to the scene to maintain order and disperse the violent crowd.

In a statement, the police revealed that they had received intelligence about some individuals attempting to hijack the protest. They mentioned that members of a prescribed organization and other hoodlums had infiltrated the demonstration, aiming to create violence and potentially destroy public property.

Police Fire on Hunger Protesters in Nyanya

According to reports, police personnel assigned to protect the rights of protesters have allegedly opened fire on the demonstrators in Nyanya.

The Middle Belt Times has learned that the protesters, defying threats from the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who stated that the FCT would not be available for the protest, gathered in large numbers to participate in the demonstration.

The protest, which commenced at approximately eight o’clock in the morning, turned violent after the police fired gunshots in an attempt to disperse the protesters.

The Middle Belt Times is unable to confirm whether any protesters were injured or killed by the police during the incident.

Police Clash with Hunger Protesters in Borno, Injuring Multiple Demonstrators

In a recent incident, at least two individuals have reportedly sustained injuries following a confrontation between police officers from the Borno Police Command and a group of protesters voicing their dissatisfaction with federal and state government policies and programs in the region.

One of the injured protesters is feared to have died after being struck by tear gas canisters fired by the police in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators in the Bulunkutu area of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

According to reports, the police resorted to using tear gas canisters and live ammunition against the protesters after all attempts to persuade them to vacate the area were unsuccessful.

The demonstrators had gathered at the location to protest the ongoing hunger crisis in the country.

This incident involving the protesters occurred shortly after a separate attack by a suicide bomber at a market in the state, which resulted in the deaths of over 17 people.

Further details are forthcoming.

Deadly Suicide Bombing Strikes Night Market in Borno State

A night market in Kauri, a rural community within the Konduga district of Borno State, North East Nigeria, was the scene of a devastating attack when a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated an explosive device.

The explosion took place at approximately 9 pm on Wednesday, July 31, in the bustling market area that operates during the night. The market, frequented by numerous locals, is situated along the Bama-Maiduguri road and has been a frequent target of Boko Haram attacks. This latest incident marks yet another in a series of assaults on the vulnerable communities in the region.

According to local sources, the attack resulted in multiple casualties. A police officer and a woman were among those killed, while two patrol vans were set on fire. A government official from the village reported that the bomb detonated at 8:05 pm in a local tea joint where villagers often gathered for evening conversations. Dozens of people were also injured in the blast.

“It is unclear exactly how the attack unfolded, but we suspect that the bomb was planted rather than being a suicide attack. We found the bodies of 19 people, with an unspecified number of civilians injured. The injured were transported to an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri for treatment,” a source told Daily Trust on condition of anonymity.

This tragic event occurred just 24 hours after an Accountant working with the Local Education Authority in Damboa Local Government Area, Shettima Mustapha, was killed when his vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu highway in Borno.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Daso, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable at the time of reporting.

The attack comes as a nationwide protest is set to take place, with the government expressing concerns that such demonstrations could be exploited by criminals and terrorists.

As of the time of reporting, Middle Belt Times has not received an official statement regarding the incident, and authorities have yet to confirm the number of fatalities.

In a related development, Vanguard reported on Wednesday that a senior Accounting Officer from the Education Department of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, Shettima Mustapha, was killed along with another victim whose leg had to be amputated, and several others injured. This incident occurred when their vehicle encountered an IED planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu 185 km expressway.