Protesters in Katsina Resurface, Wave Russian Flag Amid Growing Unrest

In Katsina, a group of protesters, predominantly composed of young people and children, have taken to the streets to voice their frustrations over the worsening economic conditions. The protest began at the family home of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua in Katsina’s Yar’adua quarters, before making its way through Kofar Durbi street and down to the now-defunct Yar-Kutungu Market. The demonstrators chanted slogans in their local language, notably “APC hunger. We are not in support,” in reference to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party.

The protesters waved Russian flags—a symbolic gesture that remains unclear but could suggest disillusionment with local leadership and a call for external attention or intervention. Their main chant, “Hunger is killing us,” underscored the severity of their grievances, as many Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation, food insecurity, and economic hardship.

This fresh wave of protests comes just three days after relative calm had returned to the state, following violent clashes during the initial days of the #EndBadGovernance protests. These earlier protests, which quickly spread across the country, were marked by widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy and security.

Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, law enforcement responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. The current wave of demonstrations, which began nationwide on August 1, 2024, is expected to last for ten days, according to organizers. The protests have reignited tensions in the region, raising concerns about the potential for further unrest if the underlying issues remain unaddressed.