Tension gripped Kaduna on Thursday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit was disrupted by protests and a reported security breach.
Despite the deployment of heavy security, there was an alleged attempt to attack the president during his engagement with state officials.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that President Tinubu was in Kaduna to commission key infrastructural projects and hold strategic meetings with the state government, led by Governor Uba Sani.
However, the atmosphere turned hostile as angry youths took to the streets in protest, reportedly vandalizing billboards and posters mounted to welcome the president.
Eyewitnesses said the destruction occurred even while the president was being hosted inside the Government House, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the security arrangements.
Background checks reveal that Kaduna State, once a thriving industrial and political center in northern Nigeria, has recently been plagued by rising economic hardship and increasing insecurity.
Observers believe the protests reflect mounting frustration among the youth, who have been hard-hit by inflation, high unemployment, and worsening living conditions.
Many Nigerians blame the Tinubu administration for implementing economic reforms that have increased suffering, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
While these reforms were praised by some global investors, they have caused widespread hardship among ordinary citizens.
Kaduna has also suffered a surge in violence, including kidnappings, armed banditry, and inter-communal clashes, making it one of the most volatile states in the region.
The reported security breach during the president’s visit has triggered debate about the government’s ability to maintain order and connect with the Nigerian populace.
As of press time, security agencies have not released an official statement regarding the alleged attack attempt, but investigations are said to be underway.
President Tinubu concluded his engagements and left the state under tight security, but the incident has cast a shadow over his visit and heightened political tensions nationwide.