Day 2 Protest: NSCDC arrests 32 in Kano for vandalism, looting of properties; tight security, but markets, banks remain shut in Abuja, Lagos, others; Obi denies video footage, urges Tinubu to address Nigerians

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has reported that 32 suspects were arrested in Kano at Sabo Gari, Bata France Road, and Murtala Mohammed Way, where they were allegedly looting goods worth thousands of naira.

According to the Corps, the arrests were made as the #EndBadGovernance protest entered its second day, with the NSCDC actively safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.

The protests, initially peaceful escalated into violent clashes in several states, prompting heightened security measures and a firm response from the NSCDC.

Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC directed all Zonal Commanders, Heads of Formations, and State Commandants across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be on red alert.

Babawale Afolabi, the National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Friday expressed concern during a monitoring operation in Abuja, over the clashes between protesters and security agencies tasked with protecting government infrastructure and civilians.

He noted that despite repeated warnings to protesters about avoiding violence, vandalism, and looting, such actions have occurred, reminiscent of similar situations in other countries.

“It is very lamentable that there was the incidence of fierce attacks on security operatives and wanton destruction of properties in Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, Gombe, and many other States. Officers and men were injured, and an NSCDC operational vehicle was set ablaze in Katsina,” Audi stated.

Following the violence that erupted on the Day 1 of the EndBadGovernanceProtest, residents of Bwari axis, comprising Kubwa, Dutse, Dutse Alhaji, Sokale and Kubwa have resumed skeletal activities amidst tight security.

But the popular Dutse Alhaji market and Dutse Pe Modern market, Zenith Bank and other major electronic shops and businesses along the busy route remain shut.

The Zenith Bank stop, usually a very busy spot for passengers heading to town is deserted with few okada and Keke drivers seen scouting for passengers.

A police van is stationed at the Dutse Alhaji gate, with police checkpoints at, Sokale, FCDA gate, federal housing junction and at the NNPC Kubwa junction.

Phillip Ayuba, Acting Deputy Commandant General of Operations, representing Audi on the second day of the protests, emphasized the importance of professionalism and civility when dealing with protesters.

He warned that the NSCDC and other security agencies would not tolerate violence or the destruction of government facilities, and those responsible would face the full force of the law.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and flag bearer of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election appealed while debunking videos of him addressing protesters in Abuja to President Bola Tinubu to address the nation on the ongoing protest.

“My appeal is for the president to address the nation, he’s the person that was elected, he is the one holding the mandate of the people, a times like this is time for him to show leadership and address the nation,” Obi told Arise TV correspondent in Onitsha on Friday.

“Doing so through your aide or appointees is not the same thing because we didn’t vote for them, we elected him.”

“I have been in Onitsha since wednesday, there’s no way I could have been in Anambra and Abuja at the same time,” he said on the day two of the protest that was largely peaceful in the west but violent in the north of Nigeria.

Obi urged protesters to remain within the law while protesting, “My appeal to people to stay within the law even when they are making strong demands,” he said.