Protesters in Abuja shouted down the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, as he attempted to address them at Eagles Square, preventing him from speaking.

The crowd continued to chant “hunger dey” (meaning “there is hunger”) as the minister tried to make his voice heard.

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Eventually, the minister managed to calm the crowd and assured them he was not there to shut down their demonstration but to show solidarity as a ‘comrade’ who has participated in numerous protests himself.

He estimated that he had attended between 100 to 500 protests, emphasizing his respect for their right to protest.

He also promised to address the police regarding their use of teargas canisters against the protesters.

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Despite his efforts to engage with the crowd, the protesters remained resolute in their demands and refused to relocate to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, citing concerns about police interference.

A massive group of protesters is currently marching along a major road in Kugbo, Asokoro, within the Abuja Municipal Council Area (AMAC).

Despite security operatives firing gunshots and teargas, the hundreds of demonstrators remain undeterred.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an order restricting protests to Moshood Abiola Stadium.

While some protesters complied and moved to the stadium, many others have gathered at various locations throughout the capital.

Security forces are struggling to manage the large, determined crowd of young protesters, who have vowed to stay on the streets until their demands for economic improvements are met.

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Asokoro, the area where the protest is concentrated, is a significant location as it houses Nigeria’s seat of power, several government establishments, military barracks, and the head office of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The situation remains tense, with security personnel working to control the protesters and maintain order in this critical part of Abuja.

Yobe State has announced a 24-hour curfew in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru following reports of hoodlums taking advantage of ongoing protests to vandalize and loot government and private properties.

Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdussallam (retd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters, issued a statement on Thursday confirming the imposition of the curfew.

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He emphasized that the measure is essential to restore order amidst escalating security concerns.

“In response to the security situation in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru, where hoodlums are exploiting the protests to engage in acts of vandalism and looting, the Yobe State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew. Residents are urged to adhere to this directive and remain indoors to facilitate peace and stability in these areas and across the state,” the statement read.

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Security agencies have been instructed to enforce the curfew strictly, ensuring that peace is maintained and any unlawful activities are swiftly addressed.

The decision to implement the curfew underscores the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property amid the unrest caused by the protests.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to cooperate with security forces to ensure public safety.

The ongoing protests in Maiduguri have turned deadly, with four individuals, suspected to be workers, losing their lives at the Kime filling station near Bolori Junction.

According to sources, the victims were found in a pool of their own blood, and videos of the scene have quickly spread across social media platforms.

In response to the escalating violence, the police have imposed a 24-hour curfew throughout the state.

This decision follows not only the unrest from the protests but also a bomb blast in Kawuri village, Konduga local government area, which resulted in 20 deaths and 16 injuries.

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Reports regarding the cause of death at the filling station are conflicting.

Some sources claim that the victims were hit by stray bullets, while others suggest there were no signs of gunshot wounds on the bodies.

Baba Musa, a filling station attendant, provided a different account, stating in a phone interview, “It was an explosion that took place and killed four persons instantly, while I managed to escape unhurt.”

Alhaji Mohammed Kuluwu, Chairman of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Borno State branch, confirmed the deaths at Kime filling station.

He noted that he has been attempting to contact the station’s director to clarify the events leading to the tragedy but has been unable to reach him.

As investigations continue, the situation remains tense in Maiduguri, with authorities urging residents to adhere to the curfew and remain vigilant.

The Footage

Hundreds of youths took to the streets of Adamawa State on Thursday to participate in a nationwide protest against hunger.

The demonstration, held under the interchange flyover formerly known as the police roundabout, highlighted a stark division among the protesters.

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While some youths protested against the government, demanding the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy, others showed their solidarity with the Tinubu-led administration, praising its policies.

The divided groups held placards with various inscriptions, reflecting their differing viewpoints.

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One faction called for the return of the fuel subsidy, chanting slogans and holding signs that criticized government policies they believe have exacerbated the country’s economic challenges.

In contrast, the pro-government group carried banners declaring, “We are solidly behind President Tinubu’s policy.”

Despite the clear split between the two factions, the protest remained peaceful.

Chaos erupted as peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests in Abuja, Lekki, and Kaduna turned violent, with clashes breaking out between demonstrators and security forces.

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In Abuja, protesters assembled at major intersections, demanding government accountability and reforms.

Tensions escalated when security forces attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to confrontations and reports of tear gas and rubber bullets being used.

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Similarly, in Lekki, demonstrators gathered to voice grievances about corruption and poor governance.

The situation deteriorated as clashes erupted between protesters and security personnel, resulting in injuries on both sides.

In Kaduna, the scene was equally chaotic, with protesters clashing with police officers trying to maintain order.

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Reports indicate several arrests and instances of vandalism and property damage in the protest areas.