The planned nationwide protest in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, gained momentum with large turnout of youths in the Gusau metropolis, taking over major roads to protest against hardship in the country.
The protesters besieged the Government House, while some proceeded to the residence of the Minister of State for Defence, and others blocked the popular Gusau – Zaria highway, entry point to Gusau and major roads in the capital city.
The protest started early in the morning with low turnout, but later attracted more people who joined the planned nationwide hunger, #Endbad governance and insecurity protest.
The protesters chanted different songs, in Hausa language; which literally translated to demands for improvement in the security situation, expressing that poverty is too much, and called for the return of a corrupt free fuel subsidy, as well as a reduction in electricity tariff.
The protest was peaceful across Zamfara State with Security operatives seen providing security to the protesters which were demonstrating to register their grievances to authorities concerned.
According to the protesters, they are suffering hunger, insecurity, inflation and hardship that resulted from the removal of the fuel subsidy, which they want the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to look into their concerns.
At the Government House, the protesters were received by the State Commissioner for Project Implementation, Nasiru Zurmi who told them that their demands are genuine, but assured that efforts were being made by the Zamfara State Government to improve on the welfare and lives of the people.
He said that the State was hopeful that the Federal government will act quickly to address their demands of the youths and alleviate the hardship being experienced in the country.
However, security operatives later fired teargas to disperse the protesters in parts of the Gusau metropolis to ensure order and stability.
Editor: Ken Eseni
