Protests Erupt in Niger State Ahead of Proposed Nationwide hunger protest by Nigerian youths

In anticipation of the planned August 1 to 12 hunger protest by Nigerian youths under the hashtag #Endbadgovernment, youths in Niger State have taken to the streets to protest the ongoing hardship faced by Nigerians. This comes just a week after Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago declared that the state’s youths would not participate in street protests, citing their peace-loving nature.

Despite the governor's assurances, reliable information reaching PUNCH indicates that youths in Niger State have begun protesting the cost of living crisis. Demonstrators were seen along the Tafa local government Expressway, carrying placards with messages such as "Enough is Enough," "Stop Anti-Masses Policies," "We Are Not Slaves In Our Country," "Hardship Is Unbearable," and "Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back." The youths marched along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, chanting anti-government songs.

An eyewitness, Sule Ndaji, confirmed the protest to PUNCH, noting that soldiers stationed on the highway intervened and persuaded the youths to wait until the official protest date. “I saw the protesters early this morning carrying placards and chanting protest songs. It was the soldiers on the Expressway that calmed the youths, telling them to wait until the date of the protest,” Ndaji said.

Governor Bago had previously announced measures to dissuade protests, including the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of food at 50% of its present price from the state's reserves, with a promise to slash food prices by 90% before the end of the year. Despite these assurances, organizations and agencies in Niger State had claimed that the planned hunger protest organizers were faceless and warned of the potential for hoodlums to hijack the protest.

Niger State Police Command spokesman Abiodun Wasiu confirmed the protest activity on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, stating that law enforcement quickly dispersed the youths. “The issue is that some few boys were discovered around Kaduna road, and immediately, Area Commander Suleja moved to the scene with his men and the situation was brought under control. They were dispersed immediately. There was no blockade of the road along Abuja Kaduna road. We also heard rumours that there was an issue around Madalla, but as I’m speaking with you, there was no issue, there was no problem in Madalla. However, the Area Commander is on a show of force and monitoring the situation within Suleja and its environs. As I speak with you the area is calm, people should continue their lawful businesses,” Wasiu said.

The early protests in Niger State signal the increasing frustration among Nigerian youths regarding the current economic situation. As the official protest date approaches, the government and law enforcement agencies are on high alert, aiming to maintain order while addressing the grievances of the populace.