By Harriet Tornguvan
On Friday, the military issued a stern warning to looters exploiting the #EndBadGovernance protests, urging them to cease the destruction of lives and properties.
During a press conference in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the level of destruction on the first day of protests as "unprecedented." He emphasized that the Armed Forces would not tolerate ongoing looting and violence.
General Musa noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, in power for one year, has been working to enhance economic activities amidst a global economic crisis. He called on Nigerians to be patient as the government addresses these challenges, urging citizens not to allow criminals to exploit the situation for personal gain.
Youth Protests Over Economic Hardship
The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests commenced on Thursday, with significant tension reported across Nigeria. Demonstrations took place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters, drawing condemnation from civil society organizations (CSOs).
The protests turned violent in some areas, with hoodlums looting public and private properties. In response, several state governments, including Kano, Borno, and Katsina, imposed curfews in volatile regions to curb the unrest.
Amnesty International reported fatalities, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed the death of a policeman, injuries to other officers, and the burning of police stations.
The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, were largely driven by soaring prices of food and essential commodities, exacerbated by the government's removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows. Protesters demand the reinstatement of these subsidies, measures to address food shortages and unemployment, and reforms in the electoral and anti-corruption bodies.
Calls for Peace
General Musa appealed for peaceful protests, warning against allowing troublemakers to incite violence. He assured that the military would act professionally to prevent further destruction, stating that those caught looting would face legal consequences.
He emphasized the readiness of the military to support the police if the situation escalates beyond their control and vowed to identify and deal with individuals sponsoring the looting.
The General also urged the media to refrain from giving undue attention to those seeking notoriety through these events.
