On Saturday, protesters in Kano State took an unusual step by waving Russian flags and calling for intervention from Russian President Vladimir Putin. This came as frustration with the Nigerian government’s handling of the #EndBadGovernance protests grew.
The protests, which began on Thursday, have been marked by widespread demonstrations against economic hardship and poor governance. However, the situation in Kano escalated significantly, resulting in a violent clash between hoodlums and security forces.
Witnesses reported multiple fatalities and numerous injuries in several areas of Kano, including Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, Bachirawa, Kofar Nasarawa, and Unguwa Uku.
Abdulkadir Musa, a local resident, said, “At least eight people were shot in our area, including women and children. An elderly woman and three others have died, while many more are seriously injured. The shooting happened when people defied the curfew to continue protesting.”
Also Read:
- Protesters Destroyed Technology Hub in Kano During Protests
- Kano Group Vows to Continue Hunger Protest Against Government
Another resident reported that hoodlums used the protest as a cover to loot shops. Security forces intervened, resulting in clashes where a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was reportedly injured.
Social media users shared distressing accounts of the violence.
Aiha K. Nass mourned, “We are here mourning our grandmother. The police have shot my brother Aliyu. He is now dead.”
Omar Khalid Saleh criticized the police, saying, “The police in Kano are turning the peaceful protest into something else. Why the shooting and killings? They just shot this teenager, and he died instantly.”
Protesters on Zaria Road in Unguwa Uku were also dispersed by security forces. The Kano State Police Command has not yet officially confirmed the deaths or provided details about the violence. Efforts to contact Police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa were unsuccessful.