The nationwide protest against economic hardship and bad governance took a violent turn in Katsina State on Thursday, as demonstrators set fire to the All Progressives Congress (APC) office in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA).
Escalation of Violence
Protesters also vandalized the APC flag at the party’s office in Katsina LGA. The initially peaceful protest descended into chaos, resulting in the death of one protester and the injury of a police officer during clashes with the police.
Unruly Crowds and Lack of Security
The demonstration, which began calmly with identifiable groups, was later infiltrated by others carrying sticks and leaves and chanting “Bamuyi Bamuyi.” Many underage individuals were among the protesters, and no security agents were seen around them.
Attack on Government House
Chaos erupted around the Katsina State Government House when hoodlums infiltrated the protest crowd and began attacking security personnel with stones and other objects. The police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the mob.
Police Confirmation
Katsina Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sadiq Abubakar, confirmed the arson attack on the APC office in Dutsinma but did not confirm any protester fatalities.
Civil Society Groups Opt for Dialogue
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups, representing over 300 organizations in Katsina State, chose not to participate in street protests. Instead, they marched to the government house to present their demands to the Acting Governor, Mallam Faruq Lawal Jobe, for onward delivery to President Tinubu.
Statement from the Coalition
The coalition’s chairman, AbdulRahman Abdulah, explained their decision to avoid street protests: “If the coalitions say we are organizing a protest, considering the number of CSOs at the state and local government level, and we all converge, the number is going to be very big, and controlling that kind of crowd to prevent the infiltration of miscreants can be something difficult. So, that’s why we are opting for the interaction and at the end, we handed over our letter of demands to the acting Governor for submission to the president.”
Key Issues Highlighted
Abdulah attributed the majority of their challenges to the federal government, citing poverty, fuel subsidy removal, and insecurity. He criticized the federal government’s non-kinetic approach to security, which he said frustrated the state government’s efforts. He also linked the rising cost of living to the federal government’s removal of the fuel subsidy.
Assurance from the Acting Governor
Acting Governor Jobe commended the coalition for their peaceful approach and assured them that their demands would be forwarded to the president. He appealed for calm and urged citizens to refrain from damaging public and private property.
Context of the Protests
The protests, sparked by severe economic challenges, began on August 1, 2024, and are scheduled to continue until August 10. Nigerians have been grappling with high inflation and economic crises exacerbated by the government’s policies on petrol subsidy removal and forex unification. Despite warnings from the police, military, and Department of State Services against Kenya-styled protests, and appeals from politicians to avoid a repeat of the EndSARS demonstrations, the young protesters remain resolute.
As the protests continue, maintaining peace and order while addressing the demonstrators’ grievances remains a critical challenge for both state and federal governments.