The nationwide #EndBadGovernance Protests left in its wake countless aftermaths including, tear, sorrow, deaths and detention. Destructions of properties in a large scale happened too as some misguided elements hijacked the peaceful demonstration in parts of the country. The protest which held between August 1 and August 10 however, ended with many tales. But Juliet Jacob tells in this report how the protests turned into human carnage.
A Peaceful Protest!
It was a manifestation of deep-seated frustrations with systemic corruption, poor governance, and the perceived failure of leadership at various levels of government. Over the years, discontent had been brewing, fuelled by economic mismanagement, security challenges, and a glaring lack of accountability. The protest, initially peaceful, quickly spiralled into a national crisis, exposing the country’s deep divisions and the fragility of its social fabric.
The Role of Social Media in Mobilization
Social media was instrumental in transforming localized grievances into a national movement. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp became the digital battlegrounds where citizens from diverse backgrounds—youth activists, civil society organizations, and ordinary Nigerians—united under a common cause. The protests began peacefully, with demonstrators demanding comprehensive reforms to address the nation’s pressing issues. However, as the movement gained momentum, tensions escalated, leading to a series of violent clashes that would leave an indelible mark on Nigerian society.
Escalation and Outbreak of Violence
Despite the peaceful intentions of the protest organizers, the situation took a dramatic turn for the worse when the government deployed security forces to contain the demonstrations. The heavy-handed response of the authorities only served to inflame tensions, leading to violent confrontations between protesters and security personnel. What started as peaceful marches quickly devolved into chaos, with frustrated demonstrators resorting to vandalism and destruction as a means of expressing their anger.
Southern Nigeria: A Peaceful Demonstration
In the southern parts of Nigeria, the protest was largely peaceful. Protesters took to the streets with placards denouncing government policies that they believed were responsible for the economic hardships facing the country. The atmosphere in cities across the South was characterized by orderly marches and a strong, yet peaceful, display of dissent.
Businesses, though cautious, remained operational, with only a few instances of closure due to fears of potential unrest. For the most part, the southern protests achieved their aim without descending into violence or chaos, demonstrating the power of peaceful protest in effecting change.
Northern Nigeria: A Descent into Chaos
In stark contrast, the protests in the northern region of Nigeria quickly spiralled into violence and destruction. Armed with sticks, stones, and other weapons, protesters in the North targeted both public and private properties, leading to widespread looting, arson, and mayhem. The scale of the destruction was such that several states, including Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina, were forced to impose curfews to restore order.
Northern leaders who spoke on the violent turn of the protests were unanimous in their assessment of the situation. They warned that the millions of young people in northern Nigeria who were being used to perpetrate violence represented a ticking time bomb not just for the North but for the entire country. They emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the region’s socio-economic challenges to prevent further unrest.
“Northern leaders who spoke on why the national protest assumed a violent dimension in the North were unanimous in their assessment. They warned that the millions of young people in northern Nigeria who were being used to cause violence are a time bomb not just for the North but the whole country. The earlier something is done about the issues concerning the North, the better for the country.”
State-by-State Breakdown of the Violence
Niger State
In Niger State, violence erupted when protesters attempted to set fire to the Tafa Local Government Secretariat. The police reported the arrest of 11 suspects armed with dangerous weapons, including firearms. According to SP Waisu Abiodun, some miscreants from neighbouring areas stormed the secretariat, partially burning it and looting valuable items.
“Anyone caught engaging in violent demonstrations and any act of lawlessness would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.” — SP Waisu Abiodun, Niger State Police.
Kano State:
Kano witnessed some of the worst violence during the protests, prompting the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew following the death of a protester, Ismael Musa. Hoodlums hijacked the protest, looting stores and torching the Nigeria Communications Commission office, among other properties.
“These individuals engaged in acts of violence, destruction, looting, and causing harm to innocent civilians, resulting in the destruction of public and private properties. A total of 269 suspects were arrested.” — Abdullahi Kiyawa, Kano State Police Command Spokesman
Kaduna State:
In Kaduna, protesters attacked government offices, including those of the State Traffic and Law Environmental Authority and the Investment Promotions Agency. The violence escalated to the extent that protesters attempted to invade the Government House but were repelled by security forces.
“The protesters also burnt an Armoured Personnel Carrier and looted many shops. They tried to invade Government House but were prevented. Many of our personnel sustained injuries and they are receiving treatment at various hospitals.” — Mansir Hassan, Kaduna State Police Command Spokesperson.
Gombe State:
In Gombe, the situation turned violent when protesters were barred from entering the Government House. Looting ensued, with items including bags of fertilizer and office equipment stolen. The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, confirmed the recovery of some looted items.
Katsina State:
Protesters in Katsina State also engaged in widespread destruction, including burning a patrol van of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and looting stores. The unrest even reached Daura, the hometown of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Impact on Businesses and Communities
In the aftermath of the violence, businesses in affected northern states are counting their losses. Kano, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw particularly devastating destruction. A food store established as a charity by Mariya Dantata, the mother of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was looted. Other businesses, including Barakat Stores, reported losses running into billions of Naira.
“The hoodlums overpowered the security officials and looted one of our stores. We estimate the business’s losses at N5 billion, and about 300 workers have lost their jobs following the attack.” — Muhammad Sani, Official of Barakat Stores.
Conclusion: A Divided Nation
The EndBadGovernance Protest of 2024 has exposed the deep divisions within Nigeria. While the South managed to express its grievances peacefully, the North was engulfed in violence, reflecting the broader socio-economic challenges facing the region. The events of August 1, 2024, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the problems plaguing Nigeria, particularly in its northern states. Without decisive action, the nation risks further instability and division.
