Katsina protesters angered by economic hardship set fire to a vehicle belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and caused significant damage to public property, estimated to be worth millions of naira.
Following a protest organized by the group “Struggle for Good Governance,” the youths moved through various streets in the city in the afternoon. The NSCDC spokesperson, Buhari Hamisu, explained that the vehicle had broken down during a patrol and was abandoned on the road. When the protesters arrived, they set the vehicle ablaze before fleeing the scene.
The protesters continued their destructive actions by vandalizing street lights, removing cables and other components, and damaging drainages and culverts across the metropolis.
In response, Acting Governor Faruq Jobe addressed journalists on Thursday, acknowledging that while Katsina state has largely experienced peaceful protests, other regions have seen more violence.
He praised the state’s generally orderly conduct, attributing it to effective stakeholder engagement.
Jobe urged parents to guide their children away from violent activities and commended the residents for their calm demeanor.
He also noted that the day coincided with an annual observance for the state’s peace and development, calling for continued prayers for harmony both in the state and the nation.
Before the briefing, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) delivered a letter to President Bola Tinubu through the acting governor.
The coalition’s chairman, Abdulrahman Abdullahi, stated their commitment to addressing their demands through peaceful means rather than through street protests.
Abdullahi said that part of their demands was that the federal government should consider the return of the fuel subsidy, and also adopt more non-kinetic actions to end insecurity in the state.
(NAN)