Protesters occupy Kaduna, insist Tinubu must step down

A large crowd of protesters, supported by various groups from different parts of the Kaduna metropolis, has demanded President Bola Tinubu step down from office.

The protesters, observed by The According, initially assembled at the Stadium Roundabout within the Kaduna metropolis.

The large protest procession began at 10:15 am on Monday, marching along Junction Road towards Ahmadu Bello Road, chanting, “Tinubu ze soka’ kaa’sa,” loosely translating to “Tinubu must step down.”

Our correspondent witnessed the protesters sharing banners, flags in Nigerian green-white-green colours, and placards bearing inscriptions such as “#End Hunger in Nigeria.” They gathered around the Stadium Roundabout before commencing their march.

The protesters, insisting that President Tinubu must step down, hailed every military van they encountered, shouting, jumping, and chanting, “Tinubu yaa’so’ka, mu’na so soja,” meaning “Tinubu step down, we want soldiers.”

Approximately six police vans carrying anti-riot policemen were seen blaring sirens as they drove around the metropolis to manage the swelling crowd of protesters. Additional security agents stood guard at strategic points on Ahmadu Bello Road to the Central Market.

As the protest progressed at 10:45 am, more protesters joined the group, coming from areas such as Constitution Road, Saudana Crescent, Katuru Road, Offa Road, and Abuja Road within the Kaduna metropolis, increasing the crowd heading towards the Central Market.

A few protesters were flying a flag resembling the Russian flag.

The protesters chanted in Hausa, “Bama so,” meaning “We don’t want hunger.”

A more desperate faction of the group was seen burning and tearing the Nigerian flag.

Although the police detachments manning different parts of the city made efforts to calm the protesters and urged them to vacate the roads, the adamant protesters insisted on heading to the Government House. This move agitated the security personnel, who hurriedly called for reinforcements as the protesters’ ranks continued to swell.