Thousands of youths pin Kaduna State poured out into the streets of the State capital on Thursday, to participate in the nationwide protest.
They demanded that the government lived up to its responsibilities and makes life better and meaningful for the citizens.
On what began as a seemingly quiet day in Kaduna, the city was soon enveloped in a wave of massive protest as thousands of youths from various parts of the metropolis converged to participate in the highly anticipated nationwide Hunger and Bad Governance protest.
The air began to buzz when what started as small groups, holding placards with diverse inscriptions and leaves, united into a formidable crowd that tookover the entire Kaduna city.
With a unified voice, the protesters chanted in solidarity, their messages echoing through the streets: “No More Corruption!” “Reverse Subsidy!”, were just but some of the statements displayed on their placards, capturing the collective demand for change in Nigeria.
As the crowd grew in numbers, the orotesters marched towards the Kaduna State Government House, a symbol of authority and governance of the traditional regional capital of Northern Nigeria.
The protesters, undeterred by the presence of security operatives strategically deployed around key locations, stood their ground. Their voices filled the air, a testament to their resolve and their quest for a better future.
They called for transparency, and accountability in governance, and immediate action on pressing issues affecting their lives. The energy was palpable, with every chant and placard symbolizing the desperation and hope of a generation yearning for change.
What began as a peaceful protest in Kaduna, quickly descended into chaos as looting erupted. Among the targets was the office of the Kaduna State Traffic Laws Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA), which was vandalized.
A Police officer was said to have been injured during the unrest, while the State Police Command has reported that several arrests have been made.
The protesters who approached the Government House were dispersed by the Police who shot teargas canisters, in what it said was shots by the security measure to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
As the day progressed, the streets of Kaduna bore marks of mass uprising a testament to the power of collective action. The voices of the youth resonated, demanding to be heard, and their message was clear to the powers that be: the time for change is now.
Editor: Ken Eseni
