Reports have emerged of alleged looting of government properties in Kaduna and Kano as Nigerians protest against hunger and poor governance.

Today, Nigerians officially began a 10-day nationwide protest. Many of the organizers, predominantly young people, expressed their frustration with the country's economic conditions and promised "days of rage" during the protests.


In Kaduna, a user on X, Abdullah Yunus Abdallah (@Abdool85), claimed that government properties, including the Kaduna State Traffic Laws Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) and the Kaduna State Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), have been looted.


He tweeted: “The protest was intended to be peaceful, but in Kaduna, it has turned violent, with theft and destruction of both private and government properties like KASTLEA and KADIPA. This police officer was brutally attacked by the protesters.”





X users such as A. Ayofe (@abdullahayofel) and Makama Kagarko (@makama_kgk) have also reported the looting of government property in Kaduna.


There have been reports of a curfew in Kaduna, following the alleged deaths of at least two individuals during the protests.


Looting in Kano


Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, condemned the looting of the Digital Innovation Park by protesters in Kano. Tijani stated that the damages have resulted in a loss of millions of naira, significantly hindering efforts to enhance the country's technology workforce.


In a tweet on X (@bosuntijani) on Thursday, he expressed his dismay: “Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano, scheduled for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT), has been set ablaze and looted by protesters. Alongside #3MTT, this building was set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week. This is a setback for our efforts to deepen our technology workforce and create job opportunities for youth. Millions of naira down the drain.”


Pictures shared by Tripsloaded showed youths taking away desktop computers, swivel chairs, keyboards, and other equipment.


Reports also indicated


that the police in Kano have prevented further looting attempts. Officers thwarted an attempt by youths to break into Sadaraki stores on Zoo Road. The suspects had already damaged some windows before the police intervened.


On Tuesday, Anas Adamu led a group in Kano, announcing that the protest was organized by 13 civil society organizations (CSOs) under the Northern Chapter of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM). He urged protesters not to carry weapons, harass people, or loot property.


Earlier today, protesters, mostly youth, gathered at the entrance of the Kano State Government House, chanting slogans such as “Bamuyi” (no to bad governance) and “chanji muke so” (we want change). They held placards displaying their dissatisfaction with bad governance and marched from different parts of the state towards the government house.


Meanwhile, there were also pro-government protests. Pro-Tinubu protesters gathered on Audu Bako Way to show their support for the government. However, compliance with the hunger protest appears to be low in the city, as many residents remain indoors.


Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Wednesday, revealed that he had received intelligence about potential hijacking of the protests by troublemakers. He invited genuine protesters to the Government House and warned others to stay away. Yusuf made this call while addressing business leaders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders at the Government House in Kano on Wednesday.