October 1 Protest Fails to Hold in Kano Amid Arrests and Security Presence
The planned October 1 protest in Kano, organized by the Nigerian Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM), did not take place due to the arrest of five NPFM officials by the police.
The protest aimed to address the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians. However, following the arrests, many residents stayed indoors, and business premises, including markets and shops, remained closed.
Armed security personnel were deployed to strategic locations to maintain law and order. Only a few vehicles were seen on the major streets.
Residents attributed the closure of businesses to past experiences where protests turned violent, resulting in destruction and looting of properties.
“As people learned from the last EndBadGovernance protest, many stayed indoors to avoid being caught off guard,” a resident said.
Similar protests were also canceled in other states, including Ogun and Benue, where youths opted for carnivals instead.
The development comes as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Day, with President Bola Tinubu urging reforms to address the country’s challenges.
