Hoodlums exploited the hunger strike protests yesterday, causing destruction and looting public and private properties across several states, including Kano, Niger, Yobe, Kaduna, and Nasarawa.
In Kano, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) office was looted and set on fire on the first morning of the protest. The newly constructed office, set for inauguration next week, was intended to equip youth with digital and innovative IT skills. Security forces arrested some miscreants who looted shops along Zaria Road, recovering items such as generators, air conditioners, bags of rice, furniture, and desktop computers. Additionally, clashes between hoodlums and security agents around Kantin Kwari market were dispersed with teargas.
In Niger State, the police arrested 11 individuals following the arson and vandalism at Tafa LGA secretariat, where several cars were burnt or damaged, and valuables were stolen. Armed security forces managed to recover some looted items.
In Kaduna, protesters vandalized the offices of the Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA) and the Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency (KADIPA), looting items and setting a tricycle on fire. Nearby shops were also affected.
In Jigawa State, protests led to the looting and destruction of government properties, including agricultural stores in Hadejia, the JASCO store, and private homes in Gumel town. Hoodlums also blocked major roads and set fire to the APC state secretariat in Dutse.
In Yobe State, seven mass transit buses were set ablaze in Potiskum amid the protests, with the police promising to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In Gombe, the hunger protest turned violent with the looting of shops and government offices. Efforts by state officials to calm the situation were unsuccessful.
In Nasarawa, protests in Mararaba turned violent with hoodlums looting shops and blocking the Keffi-Abuja highway. A 24-hour curfew was imposed by the local government chairman.
In Edo State, a dispute erupted between the state government and the APC over the ownership of looted rice from a warehouse. The state government denied ownership, while the APC insisted the rice was part of federal palliative measures.
