By Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng
A large crowd of protesters has taken to the streets in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe state, carrying placards and chanting “End bad governance!” as they express their grievances against the government.
The protesters, mostly youths, were met with resistance from the Nigerian Police Force, who attempted to restrict their movement.
According to eyewitnesses, the police instructed the protesters to remain in one location, Potiskum Tsohuwar Kasuwa, and not to rally through the city.
However, some protesters disagreed with this request, leading to a confrontation with the police.
The police responded by throwing tear gas at the protesters, affecting over 50 people, including a 10-year-old boy who was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Madu Zannah, one of the protesters, told The Citizen Reports, “We are here to exercise our constitutional rights and express our grievances to the government about the hardships citizens are facing. We organized a peaceful protest, but the police prohibited us from exercising our rights. This led to some youths engaging with the police, who threw tear gas at us, saying we couldn’t rally through Potiskum and should stay in one place.”
Another protester, Abbakar Mai akko, added, “The hunger and insecurity our people are facing is unbearable. The government needs to act. Most households can’t afford even one square meal a day. We’re calling on President Tinubu to bring back the fuel subsidy and open the borders to make food items more affordable.”
MB Sulaiman, a private legal practitioner, noted that the government should recognize that the people are tired of the ongoing hardships. “The citizens have the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police have maintained that they are only enforcing the law and maintaining order.
Meanwhile, their actions have been criticized by many as excessive and unjustified.
“We are not against peaceful protests, but we will not allow any action that threatens public safety,” said a police officer.
Sahell reporter noted that the protesters’ demands for the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy, opening of borders, and addressing of hunger and insecurity remain unmet.
Sahel Reporters News
