The nationwide protests that erupted on Thursday paint a grim picture of a country at a breaking point. With reports of violence, looting, and tragic deaths across several states, it’s clear that the unrest is a manifestation of deep-seated frustrations among Nigerians. The dire economic conditions, marked by soaring inflation and relentless poverty, have pushed many to the edge, making the prospect of peaceful demonstrations almost an illusion.

In Kano, scenes of looting and vandalism, captured in numerous photos and videos, show the desperation of youth targeting both government and private properties. Foodstuffs were stolen, and properties vandalized, illustrating the extent of the hunger and discontent. While some pockets of Kano witnessed peaceful protests, these were overshadowed by the widespread chaos.

The situation in Suleja, Niger State was particularly harrowing, with six people losing their lives amid the turmoil. Such tragedies underscore the volatile nature of these protests, where the line between peaceful demonstrations and violent outbursts is often blurred. In Mararaba/Nyanya, the protests devolved into sheer violence, with reports of people using the chaos as an opportunity to steal phones and assault others. This highlights a troubling trend where genuine protests are hijacked by criminal elements, further complicating the situation.

Gombe and Eagle Square were not spared either, as security forces resorted to using tear gas to disperse crowds.

In Eagle Square, the heavy-handed approach of the military and police, which included beating and shooting protesters, resulted in fatalities, further fueling anger and resentment among the populace. Such actions by security personnel, intended to maintain order, often escalate tensions and provoke violence, as was evident in these regions.

Reflecting on these events, it becomes clear that the protest should have remained peaceful. The unfortunate reality is that many Nigerians, perhaps unfamiliar with the dynamics of organized protests, were misled into participating in actions that quickly turned violent.

Opportunists looking to loot and create mayhem took advantage of the situation, disrupting what could have been a powerful, unified call for change.

The responsibility for this chaos does not lie solely with the protesters. Security forces failed to act with the restraint and professionalism required in such delicate situations. Their aggressive tactics against peaceful demonstrators not only violated human rights but also ignited the very violence they were supposed to prevent. In many instances, it was the heavy-handed response of the police and military that turned peaceful protests into battlegrounds.

While the northern part of the country bore the brunt of the violence, the southeastern regions remained relatively quiet, perhaps indicative of a strategic choice to avoid confrontation. However, this does not diminish the widespread discontent that exists nationwide. In Suleja, innocent lives were lost, and daily activities were disrupted. One carpenter, merely trying to open his shop, became a victim of the unrest, a tragic reminder of the human cost of these protests.

The government’s approach to addressing these grievances has been woefully inadequate. Rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue and implementing policies to alleviate the economic hardships, they opted for suppression and intimidation. This strategy not only fails to address the root causes of the discontent but also exacerbates the mistrust and anger towards the authorities.

What Nigeria needs now is not a suppression of voices but a sincere effort to listen and act on the legitimate demands of its citizens. The economic reforms touted by the government, while praised by international bodies, have had a devastating impact on the everyday lives of Nigerians. Immediate relief measures, transparent governance, and inclusive economic policies are essential to restore faith in the system and prevent further unrest.

As the country grapples with the aftermath of these protests, the way forward must be clear. The government should prioritize the well-being of its citizens, ensuring that no Nigerian feels the need to resort to protests to have their voices heard. Only through genuine efforts to address the hardships can peace and stability be restored in Nigeria. Until then, the nation will continue to teeter on the edge, with every protest a potential spark for widespread chaos.