Protests erupted in Kano on Sunday as hundreds of youths expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s recent broadcast, claiming it did not address their grievances. The demonstrators, many of whom carried Russian flags as a symbol of resilience, called for the restoration of fuel subsidies, which they blame for the ongoing economic crisis.
Despite Tinubu’s plea to suspend the protests, the youths vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met. The protests began in the Koki area and spread to various locations, with participants chanting slogans against the president.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing large crowds protesting against hunger and bad governance, with some participants carrying both Nigerian and Russian flags. Barrister Bulama Bukarti noted that the trend of carrying Russian flags appears to be developing organically among the protesters, raising concerns about potential exploitation by malign actors.
The Kano State Government has relaxed a previously imposed 24-hour curfew, allowing residents to engage in lawful activities from 8 AM to 2 PM. However, the protests have been marred by violence, with reports of deaths and injuries among protesters. Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the deaths of at least 10 protesters during the unrest.
As the protests continue, various civil society organizations and political figures have criticized Tinubu’s address, calling it insufficient in addressing the hardships faced by Nigerians. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka condemned the government’s violent response to the protests, emphasizing the need for a more civil approach to managing civic dissent.