Northern Senators have called on protesters to halt their demonstrations and seek dialogue to prevent further destruction and loss of life.
Disturbed by the extensive damage caused by violent protests against poor governance in several northern states, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has appealed to the protesting youth to vacate the streets and embrace dialogue.
On Saturday, predominantly young and underage protesters took to the streets of Kano for the third day of the #EndBadGovernance protests, waving Russian flags and urging President Vladimir Putin to address Nigeria’s hunger crisis.
Amid fears of casualties in Kano, Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, condemned the use of live ammunition on protesters by security agents in Kano and Abuja.
In Abuja, security forces defied a court order permitting protesters to use the MKO Abiola Stadium, firing gunshots and teargas at journalists and demonstrators, though no injuries were reported.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced concerns over the alleged large-scale killing of protesters and demanded the prosecution of responsible security agents.
Contradicting a report by Amnesty International (AI) that police killed 13 protesters on the first day of demonstrations, the Nigeria Police Force claimed only seven fatalities, with 681 individuals arrested for various offences between Thursday and Friday.
The federal government, through Information Minister Mohammad Idris, asserted that the deaths occurred because the protests were hijacked by rioters who set vehicles ablaze. Protesters in Lagos have vowed to continue their demonstrations if their demands are not met by Monday.
On Saturday, NSF Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua of Katsina Central urged youths to choose dialogue over protests to avoid further destruction and loss of life. He acknowledged the protesters’ right to peaceful assembly but highlighted the resulting deaths and property damage in some states, leading to curfews.
The senators emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s awareness and efforts to address national challenges.
Meanwhile, violent protests continued in Kano, with youths carrying Russian flags and urging President Putin to intervene. In Fagge LGA, protesters displayed placards calling for a military takeover and expressed willingness to face death rather than endure hunger and deprivation.
One protester, Auwalu Idi, stated, “We would rather die of bullets than hunger. We raise the Russian flag because we believe Tinubu is following the World Bank, IMF, and USA’s directives.”
During a protest in Kano’s Kofar Nasarawa, Aliyu Abdullahi of Kofar Nassarawa Quarters was reportedly killed in a clash with security forces. In Kurnar Asabe and Rijiyar Lemo, Fagge LGA, clashes allegedly resulted in nine deaths, including two women. A local witness, Aliyu Abdullahi, reported, “Eight persons, including females and children, were killed. An elderly woman also died along with three others, with many more injured.”
Protests continued in areas such as Ungwa Uku Zaria Road, Jaen, Gunduwawa, and Tudun Wada Brigade. Kano’s Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, claimed youths exploited a political event to continue their violent protests.
Security Operatives Shoot at Demonstrators, Journalists in Abuja
In Abuja, masked security operatives defied a court order and dispersed protesters and journalists from the MKO Abiola National Stadium with gunshots. Bullets struck a reporter’s car, but no injuries were reported.
Atiku condemned the use of live ammunition on protesters in Abuja and urged President Tinubu to address the protesters’ demands in his proposed broadcast. He also called on the international community, including the UN and International Criminal Court, to monitor the situation in Nigeria.
NLC Demands Arrest of Security Agents Responsible for Killings
The NLC, in a statement signed by President Joe Ajaero and titled “Stop This Massacre,” demanded the arrest and prosecution of security agents responsible for the killings. The NLC warned of potential industrial action if the killings continued, claiming unconfirmed reports indicated over 40 casualties in two days.
The NLC criticized the Kaduna State Police Command as the worst in crowd management and praised the Edo State Police Command under Funsho Adegboroye for its handling of protests. They demanded disciplinary action for culpable officers and compensation for victims, commending the Nigerian Bar Association’s vigilance.
Protesters Threaten to Storm Lagos Streets on Monday
Despite the use of live ammunition in Kano and Abuja, Lagos protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations from Monday if their demands are unmet. Hassan Soweto of the Youth Rights Campaign urged residents to pray for peace and called on police to control suspected troublemakers.
Police barricaded parts of Ikorodu Road for protesters, leaving other lanes open for traffic. Lagos State Police Commissioner Adegoke Fayoade was on-site, leading security efforts to protect protesters.
Police Fault Amnesty’s Report, Say Only Seven Died, 681 Arrested
Responding to AI’s allegation that 13 protesters were killed on the first day, police claimed only seven fatalities and 681 arrests. Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi clarified that weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, were recovered from protesters. He detailed casualties from a terrorist attack in Borno State and a car accident in Kebbi State, totaling seven deaths.
Protesters Were Looting Shops, Burning Vehicles, FG Tells AI
Minister of Information Idris told Al Jazeera that protesters who died did so because the protests turned into riots and were hijacked by hoodlums, necessitating security intervention.