Curfew declared in Nassarawa State over protest

The chairpersons of Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas in Nasarawa State have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew across both councils, on August 1, 2024, in response to the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.

Chairman of Keffi Local Government Council, Alhaji Muhammad Baba-Shehu, announced in a statement that a dusk-to-dawn curfew was being implemented.

This measure was taken in response to the violence that occurred on the first day of the protest.

The protesters blocked the Keffi-Abuja highway, stopping motorists from entering or exiting the Keffi metropolis.

In addition to blocking the highway, the protesters, who numbered in their hundreds, set car tires on fire.

They also threatened to assault motorists who did not retreat.

Baba-Shehu noted that the protest had escalated beyond control, with unidentified miscreants arriving in Keffi Local Government Area prepared to engage in looting.

“In view of the foregoing, it has become imperative to stage a dusk to dawn curfew from 6pm to 6am…

“With effect from today Aug 1, in consultation with the security operatives in Keffi,” he said.

He urged all citizens of Keffi to immediately comply with the order, emphasizing on its importance for maintaining order and security.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, Mr. James Thomas, stated that the curfew will take effect immediately.

The curfew will take place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice, as stated in his statement signed by his Special Senior Adviser, Mr. Uba Magaji.

He explained that the curfew is being implemented as a precaution to ensure the safety of Karu and its inhabitants.

Additionally, he stated that the curfew would limit the movement of people, motorcyclists, tricyclists, motorists, and the operation of all shops in Karu.

Nigerian protest over economic crisis

The ongoing protests in Nigeria, which began on August 1, 2024, are fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions.

This includes high inflation rates—34.19% overall, with food inflation exceeding 40%.

These protests are a response to the harsh economic realities facing Nigerians, including unemployment, poverty, and rising living costs.

The demonstrations are also linked to broader grievances over alleged corruption and governance failures

The protests have seen significant participation across various regions, with many demonstrators expressing their discontent through peaceful means.

For example, in Ibadan, Oyo State, a coalition of youths organized a peaceful rally to voice their concerns about the economic situation

Violent disruptions

During the protest, violence erupted in some parts of the country, resulting in fatalities and property damage.

Some of the regions where the protests turned violent include:

Kaduna: In Kaduna State, the protests turned violent as hoodlums hijacked the demonstration, leading to looting and vandalism.

The offices of the State Traffic and Law Environmental Authority and the Investment Promotions Agency were damaged, and a police Armoured Personnel Carrier was set on fire.

The violence was attributed to opportunistic criminal elements exploiting the unrest for looting and chaos.

Although there are widespread reports online suggesting that these actions led to a curfew being imposed in the state, Governor Uba Sani has refuted these claims.

He clarified that no curfew has been implemented.

Suleja, Niger State: The situation also escalated in Suleja, where security forces reportedly used lethal force, resulting in the death of at least six protesters.

The confrontation arose when protesters blocked the Abuja-Kaduna highway, prompting a heavy-handed response from the authorities.

Lagos: In Lagos, particularly around the Lekki Toll Gate and Ojota, clashes occurred between anti-government protesters and pro-government groups.

The police intervened using tear gas to disperse the crowd, restoring a tense peace in the area.

The clashes were partly fueled by opposing groups’ differing views on the government’s performance.

These violent incidents highlight the tension and potential for escalation.

Therefore, they are driven by deep-seated economic frustrations and the presence of opportunistic elements seeking to exploit the situation.

The government’s response, including the use of force and preemptive warnings, has been controversial and criticized by human rights groups.

This criticism recalls the harsh crackdowns during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.

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