What started like a peaceful protest on Thursday morning in Kaduna eventually turned violent as protesters set ablaze the office of the Kaduna Traffic Law Enforcement Agency, KASTLEA.
Our correspondent reports that the protesters also looted property in the agency.
It was gathered that the protesters went on the rampage when they discovered that they outnumbered the security operatives.
The protesters also looted property at private residences around the KASTLEA office.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state is yet to speak on the incident as he did not pick his calls
Kaduna: Protesters set KASTLEA office ablaze, loot property
Kaduna: Protesters set KASTLEA office ablaze, loot property
Kano gov declares 24-hour curfew
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state after the protest against economic hardship in the state turned violent.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, on Thursday.
According to the statement, the decision comes after an Emergency State Security Council meeting dedicated to addressing the escalating violence and disruptions that have emerged amid civil demonstrations.
Tofa said to safeguard lives and preserve public and private property, the decision to implement a curfew was made unanimously during the emergency meeting.
“The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities.
“It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses,” he said.
The governor called on all citizens to remain vigilant and united during this challenging time.
“Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us.
“Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State,” he said.
The statement noted that all security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure full compliance with the curfew, and citizens are urged to heed this directive for their safety and the well-being of all.
According Online reports that hoodlums earlier looted the newly built Nigeria Communication Commission Industrial Park in Kano State.
Photos and videos circulating online shows the hoodlums setting the building on fire and making off with valuable equipment like computers, furniture, and electronics.
Octogenarian calls for end to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest
An octogenarian, Olasupo Oluleye, has pleaded with the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrators to end the ongoing protest on Friday, August 2.
Nigerians have stormed major cities, protesting against the dire economic situation in the country.
While offering his support for the demonstration, Pa Oluleye emphasised the need for efficient resource management.
“Nigerians do not need to suffer, depending on palliatives. President Bola Tinubu must sit up now and take bold steps to alleviate the plight of the masses.
“Probably maintaining the removal of the oil subsidy while putting the complete revival of electricity tariff in place,” the 85-year-old said.
The elder statesman proposed merging the ministries to around 25, a task he believes can be confidently managed by three permanent secretaries to avoid undue lobbying.
Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the next election in 2027 would be conducted in a better environment.
The According reports that some protesters said the protests would continue unless President Tinubu meets their demands.
They called on the president to do the needful and the
protests would be immediately called off.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola lamented that the oppression under the president’s leadership had lasted too long.
He said, “The various court orders restricting protesters to particular locations are an aberration.
”Our presence here today is an announcement that we have been oppressed for too long.
“Today, we have risen. We are saying to the president that unless President Bola Tinubu accedes to our demands, we will remain on the streets. We want to see the president on the street. During the protest, he was on the street.”
One of the leaders of the Take It Back Movement, Ayoola Babalola, said the show of force around the premises of the Moshood Abiola is an embarrassment to the nation.
He vowed that protesters would not be intimidated.
BREAKING: Gov Yusuf imposes 24 hours curfew in Kano as looting, killings mar protest
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has imposed a 24 hours curfew in the state in a bid to check the breakdown of law and order following incidents of looting recorded during the ongoing protest.
The governor who addressed the media after an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies, said, “It is with heavy hearts that I address you today regarding the unfortunate events in the names of protests, which was hijacked by hoodlums and thugsm
“We organized a stakeholders meeting with traditional leaders, including the four Emir’s of Karaye, Rano, Karaye and Gaya, including Kano, to ensure that we dialogue with the organizers.”
He said during the meeting, he acknowledged that protest is a constitutional right but urged the organizers to conduct themselves in an orderly manner with a promise to receive their message and forward same to President Bola Tinubu.
“Our goal was to facilitate a peaceful dialogue with the protesters, and in the morning I received the protesters and received their message.
“While I commend those who conducted themselves peacefully, however the protest was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who went on looting properties and maiming innocent lives, aided by the enemies of the state,” Yusuf added.
According to the governor, his administration has already reported those suspected of sponsoring the hoodlums to the security agencies.
He eventually announced that, at the emergency security meeting, it was agreed that a 24 hours curfew be put in place until peace and tranquility returns to the state.
“Under the provisions of the Constitution and the powers vested in me as the Governor of Kano, I hereby order a 24 hours curfew in and around the state, till peace is returned,” he said.
The governor confirmed that some persons were reportedly killed during the protest, while some thugs went on rampage, breaking into shops and houses to loot properties.
BREAKING: Gov Yusuf imposes 24 hours curfew in Kano as looting, killings mar protest
Hoodlums attack journalists in Kano
A bus belonging to the Channels Television carrying about 11 journalists from different media houses, both print and broadcast, covering the hardship protest, was attacked by the rampaging hoodlums.
The attackers who were carrying sticks and machetes along Sokoto Road, were said to have smashed the glasses of the vehicle and those inside were showered with glass particles with a TVC Correspondent receiving minor injury.
Earlier in the morning, some hoodlums were also reported to have smashed the rear glass of the WAZOBIA FM radio official vehicle while covering the protest.
As the protest continues, some youths were said to have set ablaze the Nigerian Communications Commission Office located along State road after looting the place.
Similarly, the protesters have continued to reck havoc in the ancient city by attacking shops and other business places as well as looting the places.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters wearing face caps with the inscription “Peace” on them were said to have stormed the streets chasing away protesters who engaged in looting shops and other business premises.
The ‘Peace’ protesters, in their green face caps, chanted “Mu yanci mukeso ba ruwan mu da kayan kowa,” meaning, “We need freedom from the government, we don’t want anybody’s property.
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Delta: Banks, offices shut as protest grounds Asaba
The #EndBadGovernance protest is going on in Delta State, especially Asaba, the state capital.
Asaba city was completely locked down as shops, businesses, markets and offices were under lock and key.
The streets were also deserted as banks and other financial institutions in the city were closed.
The protesters converged at the popular Interbau Roundabout, from where they proceeded through Nnebisi Road to the main market, Ogbeogonogo.
Prior to their departure from Interbau Roundabout, police and soldiers tried to restrict their movement.
But later, the protesters maneuvered their way, moving in a file towards Nnebisi Road and Ogbeogonogo market.
None of the banks officially announced a closure, but their employees said they were advised not to report for work on Thursday as the financial institutions monitor the protest.
A civil servant based in Warri simply said, “I’m not going to work,” when asked. A staff of a hotel said they were advised to exercise caution.
The Delta State House of Assembly Complex was also closed.
A supervisor with the NNPC filling station said “We will closely monitor the situation and provide further communication, depending on the developments of the protest.”
However, the secretariat of the Warri South Local Government Council, as well as health centres and markets controlled by the Council, were fully operational on Thursday
The development may not be unconnected with the arrangements being perfected for the swearing in of supervisors of the Council.
The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE), Warri South Local Government Council chapter, Comrade Raymond Emiko, said normal activities were ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, hailed the protest as peaceful.
Delta: Banks, offices shut as protest grounds Asaba
Don’t join #EndBadGovernance protest, IPOB tells Ndigbo
The Independent People of Biafra has called on Ndigbo across the country not to join the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
The pro-Biafran group said rather than joining the protest, Ndigbo should be security alert and protect their lives and property during and after the protest.
The group added that both IPOB, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and many other Igbo groups have already warned them not to join the protest.
They alleged that a security report at its disposal indicated that security agencies had concluded plans to carry out targeted attacks against the Ndigbo during the protest.
In a statement on Thursday, the group, through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, claimed that there were also plans to sponsor criminal elements in the South-East to carry out violent protests to provide opportunities for the security agencies to launch attacks against Ndigbo during this period.
The statement said, “Therefore, Ndigbo should be careful and know that they are hated and targeted across the contraption called Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the false accusations against IPOB and Mr Peter Obi by the Federal Government as the sponsors of the proposed protest are part of the sinister plan and agenda to target Ndigbo for elimination.
“The false alarm that IPOB and Ndigbo are sponsoring the protest is another false flag operation targeted at killing Ndigbo during the protest.
“Neither, Ndigbo nor IPOB called for the Nigerians to protest against the leadership’s disastrous performance in Nigeria. Interestingly, both the IPOB, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and many other Igbo groups have warned Ndigbo not to join the proposed peaceful national protest against hardship and hunger in the wider Nigeria.
The group said although Ndigbo are facing the same economic hardship that others are facing, they are usually the victims of any protest in Nigeria.
The statement added, “We must learn our lessons. If need be, the only protests that Ndigbo should sponsor and fully participate in are the protest for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and a call or a UN-supervised referendum.
“What we are interested in now is for President Bola Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and give us a date for the Biafran referendum for Biafrans to decide their fate in Nigeria or an independent Biafra Nation.
“As the hunger protest plans rage, Ndigbo must ensure that they defend themselves and their properties against hoodlums and tribal bigots who will capitalise on the protest to loot their materials in our shops.
“Moreso, every Igbo person in the East, North and West must be on security alert during this period of their protest. Ndigbo will be the target of the federal government’s brutal force during the proposed peaceful protest. Don’t be a victim.”
Protest against hardship turns violent in Nyanya, Abuja
The protest against economic hardship and hunger in Nyanya, Abuja, on Thursday, August 1, descended into violence when some individuals hijacked the demonstration, leading to clashes with the Nigerian Army.
Initially, the protesters, who had gathered at Nyanya bridge, were peaceful, voicing their concerns about the country’s economic situation. However, tensions escalated when a faction began vandalizing public property, including street lights, and hurling stones at soldiers.
Read also: Minister laments looting of Kano Tech Hub by alleged #EndBadGovernance protesters
The soldiers, deployed to restore order, faced resistance from the aggressive protesters. The scene quickly turned chaotic, with many people fleeing for safety.
Amid the unrest, some protesters were heard shouting “Bamayi” (meaning “We are no longer interested”). It remains unclear whether these individuals were part of the original protest group or had infiltrated with different motives.
The post Protest against hardship turns violent in Nyanya, Abuja appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Protesters reject Gov Fubara’s offer to provide money for ‘bread, pure water’
The Ekiti State Police Command has identified and arrested six suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University, EKSU, Professor Femi Olaofe.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Sunday Abutu, made this known in a statement in Ado-Ekiti.
The incident occurred on July 9, 2024, when an armed gang stormed the professor’s residence at 15th Avenue, Federal Housing Estate, Ado-Ekiti, abducting him and his security guard, Abdul Opotu.
Abutu said upon receiving the distress call, the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, was dispatched to the scene. However, the perpetrators had already fled with the victims in the professor’s Toyota Camry. The vehicle was later recovered in a forest between Ado-Ekiti and Afao-Ekiti.
He maintained that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Akinwale Adeniran, ordered an immediate and thorough investigation which led to the arrest of Omowaye Ayodele, also known as A.Y, at Bencom Guest House in Akure, Ondo State.
During interrogation, Ayodele confessed to the crime and implicated several accomplices, including Kenneth, Amodu Gbenga (a.k.a Toro), Nnamani Chukwuka (a.k.a Amechi), and Ojo (a.k.a Ojo Ijan).
According to the PPRO, Ayodele revealed that the security guard, Abdul Opotu, had orchestrated the kidnapping, making the operation easier for the gang.
He said further investigations led to the arrest of Amodu Gbenga, who confessed to supplying food and water to the gang at their hideout behind Government College, Off Ijan Road, Ado-Ekiti, adding that the suspects led police to the hideout, but the gang had already relocated the victim.
“On July 30, 2024, a shallow grave was discovered in a bush off Afao Road, behind the new airport site in Ado-Ekiti. The following day, the police, along with the Ministry of Environment and medical practitioners, exhumed the body, which was identified as Professor Femi Olaofe. The corpse has been deposited at Ekiti State Teaching Hospital Morgue for autopsy”. Abutu said.
The police spokesperson noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining gang members, including the security guard who masterminded the crime, while the six arrested suspects are currently in custody undergoing investigation.
Protesters reject Gov Fubara’s offer to provide money for ‘bread, pure water’
Russia frees US reporter in major prisoner swap with West
US journalist Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan were released Thursday, the Turkish government announced, in one of the biggest East-West prisoner swaps since the Cold War.
Prisoners from the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Belarus and Russia were involved in the swap “carried out” by Turkey’s MIT intelligence service, Turkey’s presidency said.
There was no immediate confirmation from US officials, although the swap was widely reported by US television networks. The Kremlin declined to comment on any exchange.
Wall Street Journal reporter Gershkovich, 32, was detained in March 2023 and convicted in July on spying charges in a fast-track trial denounced as a sham by the United States.
Signs of an imminent prisoner swap had picked up momentum earlier Thursday, amid reports a plane used in a previous exchange deal had landed in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
Hopes had also risen in recent days after a number of high-profile prisoners in Russia, including Whelan, went missing from prisons where they were serving long terms, fueling speculation they were being moved ahead of a swap.
As a rule, swaps can only happen after a conviction in Russia, and the disappearance of several high-profile political prisoners at once is extremely rare.
Among those expected to be returned to Russia in exchange is Vadim Krasikov, a Russian citizen imprisoned in Germany for killing a former Chechen rebel commander in a brazen assassination.
The exchange would be a victory for President Joe Biden, whose vice president, Kamala Harris, faces Republican Donald Trump in the November election.
This would be the first prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since star US basketball player Brittney Griner was swapped in return for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022.
It would also be the biggest exchange since 2010 when 14 alleged spies were exchanged between Russia and the West. They included double agent Sergei Skripal, who was sent by Moscow to Britain and undercover Russian agent Anna Chapman, sent by Washington to Russia.
Before then, major swaps involving more than a dozen people had only taken place during the Cold War, with Soviet and Western powers carrying out exchanges in 1985 and 1986.
– ‘Pushing hard’ –
An aircraft already used in Griner and Bout’s exchange flew from Moscow to Kaliningrad on Thursday morning, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24. The flight was later tracked taking off from Kaliningrad two hours later.
Gershkovich was arrested in the city of Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip. He, his employer and the US government all strongly denied the espionage allegations against him.
Biden had said after the sentencing that he was “pushing hard for Evan’s release and will continue to do so.”
Media rights group Reporters Without Borders said it was “hugely relieved.”
“The Russian government’s continued policy of state hostage-taking is outrageous. Journalists are not spies, and they must never be targeted for political purposes,” the group said.
Washington has also been working for the release of jailed former Marine Whelan, 54, who was arrested in 2018 in Moscow and charged with espionage.
Whelan was working in security for a US vehicle parts company when he was arrested in Moscow in 2018, and has always asserted that the evidence against him was falsified.
Also among those who disappeared was journalist and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, a 42-year-old joint Russian and British citizen. His lawyers said on Wednesday that they did not know his location after being twice denied access to the facility where he was meant to be held.
Kara-Murza, who spoke out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is serving a 25-year sentence in Siberia for treason and other charges. He suffers from a nerve disease and was moved to a prison hospital earlier this month for medical checks.
Adding to the intrigue was a case in Slovenia, where a court sentenced two Russians suspected of spying for Moscow to more than a year and a half in prison — but then ordered their expulsion from the country.
Arrests of US citizens in Russia have increased in recent years, in what Washington sees as a Kremlin attempt to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad.
AFP