Protesters Rally at Buhari’s Residence and Emir’s Palace; Peaceful Demonstration in Edo

Protesters have gathered at the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, as part of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance campaign. The demonstrators, expressing frustration over the country’s economic hardships, attempted to breach Buhari’s residence, igniting a tense standoff.

Witnesses reported that the crowd, which was described as large and vocal, set up a bonfire in front of the former president’s home and chanted slogans demanding change. “They set up a bonfire and were chanting loudly,” said a witness to DailyTrust. The demonstrators, many of whom were young people, voiced their grievances loudly, underscoring the widespread dissatisfaction with the current governance.

In a contrasting scene, the protest in Benin City, Edo State, took a more celebratory tone. The #EndBadGovernance protest in the state capital began on a peaceful note, resembling a carnival as participants converged at the Ring Road. The demonstrators, who were greeted by a strong presence of security personnel, danced and sang, carrying placards with messages such as, “End bad governance, we are not slaves” and “We are not a conquered people, we must speak our mind.”

Edo State Police Commissioner Mr. Funsho Adegboye had earlier confirmed that the organizers had agreed to confine the protest to the city center, a measure that contributed to the orderly conduct of the event. Security forces were positioned strategically to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and did not disrupt public order.

Meanwhile, the situation in Lagos was marked by chaos as miscreants clashed violently at the Oke Koto roundabout. The altercation, which lasted over ten minutes, was triggered by a dispute over a cash gift. The clash caused significant disruption, with residents and security personnel on high alert until the situation was brought under control.

In Minna, Niger State, the protest led to an almost complete shutdown of the city. Streets, shops, markets, and filling stations were largely deserted as residents and businesses took precautionary measures. The popular Kpakungun Road and Mobile Road, typically bustling with activity, saw minimal traffic, highlighting the extent of the public’s response to the protests.

As the #EndBadGovernance movement continues to gain momentum, these varied responses from different regions underscore the deep-seated discontent with current governance across Nigeria.