#EndBadGovernance protests turn violent, as police truck kills officer in Katsina (+video)
Ongoing nationwide protests against high cost of living across the country and hash-tagged #EndBadGovernance have now turned violent as protesters battled police stiff response in order to continue their actions.
In response, though the police only watched, the protesters however, refused to be confined at the Ojota and Ketu areas of the state following a court order secured by the police to restrict protesters to the axis of the state.
In Bauchi State, the action turned violent following the decision by the release several canister of the tear gas at the hundreds of protesters who had initially gathered for a peaceful demonstration.
Yesterday, in Kano, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as Nasarawa, Katsina, Borno, Plateau the protest had been ongoing with several key roads being blocked by the protesters.
In Katsina, Friday, a policeman was reportedly killed in an accident involving an operational vehicle of the force.
A Nigeria Police Force water truck deployed to quell the protest accidentally rammed into a police car killing a police officer on the spot.
By Friday, parts of Kogi and Rivers, in addition to Edo states have already joined in the protest.
However, residents in the South East opted to sit at home instead of joining in the protest. In the South South states, it was a partial compliance as Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Delta states witnessed disinterest among residents.
In Lagos, it is not yet clear how the protest will take shape in the state, as the protesters refuse to be restricted to one area, as some of them have also threatened to confront the police.
For the rest of the South West states, it is also uncertain how the protest will turn out, as presently, the region is still calm as residents continue with their businesses.
The #EndBadGovernance protest also called the hunger protests is driven by the Nigerian youths demanding the resignation of President Bola Tinubu, on the back of the high cost of living, inflation, and corruption in government.
The protesters are demanding improved living conditions for Nigerians.
The protest is billed to last for 10 days having commenced on August 1.
Meanwhile, commercial banks across the country have adjusted their operating time and days in view of the security uncertainties occasioned by the protests.
Stanbic IBTC had sent a notice to its customers, Friday, readjusting its earlier notice of closure.
“Dear Esteemed Client,
“Due to evolving security considerations, our branch operating hours may be subject to change daily till further notice. We advise our customers to stay updated on our official channels for any adjustments,” the notice read.
The bank had earlier informed its customers of a scheduled early closure on the back of the protests, last Thursday.
“Dear Esteemed Client,
“In line with the recent nationwide protests, please note that from Thursday, 01 August 2024, our branches will open at 8am and close to customers at 3pm daily, till further notice.”
