Protests Escalate in Kaduna, Zaria: Over ₦700 Billion Lost in Five Days

The nationwide protests against rising hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria took a violent turn in Kaduna and Zaria, prompting the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Tuesday.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address on Sunday, the protests continued across major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Jos, Benin, Kano, and Zamfara. According to the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) and the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KACCIMA), the first five days of protests have resulted in economic losses exceeding ₦700 billion, with Lagos alone accounting for ₦600 billion and Kano losing over ₦100 billion.

Kaduna Protests Hijacked by Criminals

In Kaduna, the peaceful protests were hijacked by criminal elements who unleashed violence on the city. Miscreants broke into shops, looted goods, and snatched cell phones from unsuspecting citizens. In the Kawo area of Kaduna North, one such criminal was beaten into submission by an angry mob before being handed over to security operatives.

The hoodlums also set up roadblocks along the Zaria road axis, harassing passengers and forcibly seizing their belongings while brandishing dangerous weapons. A procession of protesters, including youths, children, and women, carrying Russian flags, attempted to occupy the NEPA roundabout in the heart of Kaduna. However, security forces dispersed the crowd after the miscreants began looting shops.

Military Intervention and Curfew Imposed

In Tudun Wada, Kaduna, security forces engaged in a fierce battle with the miscreants as they continued to vandalize property and loot shops. Order was eventually restored with the intervention of the military, although the hoodlums had briefly taken control of an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) deployed to the area.

Before the military’s arrival, the miscreants had attacked a commercial bank near the polytechnic, vandalizing staff vehicles and stealing valuables. The situation caused widespread panic, with workers and customers fleeing the area. The police issued a stern warning, stating that anyone caught vandalizing or looting would be treated as a criminal, not a protester.

In Zaria, located about 75 kilometers from Kaduna, there was also widespread looting. Security forces were able to contain the situation, but not before two hoodlums were reportedly killed after attempting to assault a security operative in the Danmagaji area.

Russian Flags and International Attention

The presence of Russian flags among the protesters has sparked concern. In an interview, a commissioner in Zamfara State, Alhaji Haidara, noted that many of the protesters, especially the children, appeared unaware of the implications of waving the Russian flag. He expressed concern that the protesters were trying to attract the attention of Russia in hopes that President Vladimir Putin might intervene in their situation.

A protester, who wished to remain anonymous, explained their rationale: “Since the West, like America and the UK, have abandoned us and are colluding with the government to worsen our plight, we are now seeking the attention of Russia to come to our aid, just as they did in Niger Republic and other countries in the Sahel.”

As of press time, calm had returned to Kaduna, Zaria, and surrounding areas following the imposition of the curfew, aimed at preventing further violence and looting.