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Tag: Protest

Parents Of Niger Schoolchildren Abducted From St. Mary Protest Government Inaction

Wale busari03 mins

Parents of children abducted from St. Mary Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwarra LGA of Niger State, protested on Saturday, accusing the state government of inaction eight days after the attack. More than 200 parents gathered at the school to register their names and those of their missing children, many travelling long distances on motorcycles to participate. The school was attacked on 21 November, when gunmen kidnapped over 300 pupils and 12 teachers, days after 26 schoolgirls were abducted in another part of the state. About 50 students escaped after two days, but most remain in captivity. Despite assurances that special security teams had been deployed, parents said no state officials had contacted them. They carried placards reading “Bring Back Our Girls,” “Is Education a Crime?” and “Our Children Are Still in Captivity,” accusing the government of silence and neglect. Stephen Okafor, the school’s Director of Communication, said the registration exercise was ordered by the state government and noted that the turnout shows the abduction is real. Cleric Linus Arege added that 215 parents and guardians had been documented under the supervision of Agwarra Local Government officials and the Catholic Diocese. Joseph Dimas, whose son Julius, a JSS 2 student, is still missing, criticised the government for initially denying the abduction. Emmanuel Ejeh, whose older children graduated from the school without incident, said he never expected such an attack. Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese, proprietor of the school, appealed for prayers and expressed hope that the abducted students and staff would be rescued soon, noting the challenge of mobilising parents from more than 50 communities. Principal Felicia Gyam dismissed claims of prior warnings, and Headmistress Blessing Amodu described the ordeal as emotionally draining, urging authorities to step up rescue efforts. Attempts to reach the Niger State Government were unsuccessful, as messages sent to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, had not been answered.

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Federal Pensioners Vow Naked Protest on November 24 Over Outstanding Payments

Wale busari04 mins

The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has warned it will hold a nationwide naked protest on November 24 if the government fails to pay outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances. National Chairman Mukaila Ogunbote, who also leads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), made the announcement at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday. He said retirees would act if the Federal Government does not release the approved N32,000 pension increment arrears and N25,000 palliative allowance, both due since 2023. Ogunbote added that pensioners living abroad have expressed solidarity with their Nigerian counterparts and plan to join the protest from their countries, making it a global demonstration. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the overdue funds. He highlighted the hardship facing retirees, noting that many have died or are struggling due to poor access to food and medical care. “We were told our arrears would be paid within two weeks of approval, yet nothing has been done. If by November 23 payment is not made, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” Ogunbote said. Ogunbote also criticized the disparity between workers and pensioners, saying while workers quickly received the N35,000 palliative allowance, pensioners have yet to get the N25,000 approved for them. He urged the government to settle the arrears before December so retirees can prepare for Christmas. Francis Oluwo, President of the Civil Service Pensioners, accused officials close to President Tinubu of failing to implement directives and stressed that many retirees live in poor conditions, struggling to afford food and medicine. He said the naked protest was necessary to push the government into action. Bridget Obieto, Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress to support pensioners in securing their dues. She urged the President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to prioritize retirees’ welfare so they can enjoy the festive season with dignity. Elijah Akindutire, Chairman Emeritus of NIPOST Pensioners, also called on the government to release the arrears, stressing that pensioners need the funds to meet basic needs. He encouraged a strong turnout at the November 24 protest to show retirees’ determination.

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Breaking: Protest Rocks PDP Headquarters in Abuja

Wale busari03 mins

A protest erupted on Monday at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, Abuja as supporters of the faction loyal to the PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, stormed the premises. The group, chanting solidarity songs, demanded that the National Working Committee, led by Umar Damagum, vacate the headquarters immediately. Abdulrahman was named the Acting National Chairman of the party last week as the leadership crisis threatening the soul of the party worsened with the suspension of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for a period of one month. In a dramatic twist, the faction loyal to Anyanwu converged at a separate venue in Abuja and announced the suspension of the Damagum-led NWC. The Party, on her official Twitter account, now X wrote; @OfficialPDPNig National Secretariat under attack. “The suspended National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has mobilized a group of armed thugs to the PDP National Secretariat at Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. “This reckless and unlawful action, occurring just hours after his one-month suspension for alleged anti-party activities, has led to the harassment and intimidation of party staff, security personnel, and journalists covering the unfolding crisis. “Eyewitness accounts captured by on-site reporters show the mob, numbering over 50 individuals and reportedly loyal to Anyanwu’s faction, forcefully breaching perimeter barriers, vandalizing office equipment, and physically assaulting PDP administrative staff members. “Several journalists from leading media outlets, were shoved, threatened with violence, and had their recording devices seized in a clear bid to suppress coverage of the incident. “As of the time of this release, security forces present at the premises of the Party office did nothing to prevent the attacks on the secretariat and staffers of the secretariat.”

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Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan Wins Second Term Amid Protests

Wale busari04 mins

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a second term in office despite widespread unrest and allegations of electoral irregularities. According to the National Electoral Commission, Samia won nearly 98% of the votes, receiving around 31.9 million of the 32 million ballots cast, with voter turnout reported at approximately 87% of the nation’s 37.6 million registered voters. Electoral chief Jacobs Mwambegele confirmed the result on Saturday, announcing, “I hereby declare Samia Suluhu Hassan as the winner of the presidential election under the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.” In Tanzania’s semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi of CCM also won decisively with nearly 80% of the vote. Opposition parties in Zanzibar, however, accused authorities of “massive fraud,” and Mwinyi’s swearing-in ceremony is currently underway at Amaan Complex Stadium. The election period was marred by significant unrest. Demonstrators in Dar es Salaam and other major cities took to the streets, tearing down campaign posters and clashing with security forces, despite warnings from the army chief to end the protests. Most of the protests were led by young Tanzanians who condemned the election as unfair, citing the suppression of opposition leaders—one in jail and another barred from running due to technicalities. Chadema, the main opposition party, claimed that around 700 people were killed in clashes with security forces, while a diplomatic source indicated credible evidence of at least 500 fatalities. The Tanzanian government, however, has downplayed the violence, with Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit describing incidents as “a few isolated pockets” and asserting that security forces acted decisively. Only two main opposition candidates were allowed to contest: Tundu Lissu, detained on treason charges he denies, and Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, who was excluded on technical grounds. Sixteen smaller parties also participated but hold little political influence. The ruling CCM party has dominated Tanzania’s politics since independence and has never lost a national election. Ahead of the vote, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, raised alarms over government repression, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures. The government denied these claims, insisting the election would be free and fair. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Despite the official results, tensions remain high across the country, with heavy security presence continuing in major urban centers.

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Tanzania Election Violence Escalates as Opposition Reports Hundreds Dead Amid Internet Blackout

Wale busari04 mins

Tanzania is facing a mounting crisis after three days of violent protests following Wednesday’s elections, with the main opposition claiming hundreds have been killed while the government denies using “excessive force.” The country remained under an internet blackout on Friday, restricting access to information. Security sources and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam told AFP that the death toll could be in the “hundreds” as demonstrations continued. President Samia Suluhu Hassan had aimed to secure a strong mandate and consolidate her power, with many of her key challengers either jailed or barred from participating. The elections, however, quickly spiraled into chaos. Protesters took to the streets in Dar es Salaam and other cities, tearing down campaign posters, clashing with police, and attacking polling stations. Authorities responded with a curfew and an internet shutdown. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo told Al-Jazeera that the government had “no figures” on fatalities and that “no excessive force has been used.” Chadema, the main opposition party, reported far higher numbers. Spokesman John Kitoka said about 350 people were killed in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza, with nationwide deaths potentially reaching 700. He warned the toll could rise further during curfew hours. A security source estimated as many as 700–800 fatalities across the country. With foreign journalists largely barred and communications restricted, independent verification has been difficult. The United Nations reported “credible reports” of at least 10 deaths, while Amnesty International cited at least 100 killed. Many hospitals and clinics refused to comment out of fear. Hassan has yet to publicly address the unrest, and local news outlets have not posted updates since Wednesday. Army chief Jacob Mkunda labeled the protesters “criminals” on Thursday. In Zanzibar, Hassan’s party, CCM, was declared the winner of local elections, but opposition party ACT-Wazalendo rejected the results, alleging voter fraud and demanding a rerun. Opposition officials claimed ballot boxes were stuffed, multiple votes were cast without ID, and election observers were removed from counting rooms. Residents in Zanzibar expressed fear, with many unwilling to speak openly due to potential reprisals. Analysts say Hassan has faced resistance from factions within the army and supporters of her late predecessor, John Magufuli, since taking office in 2021. Ahead of the vote, authorities banned Chadema and put its leader on trial for treason. Human rights groups condemned a “wave of terror” across the country, including high-profile abductions in the final days before the election. Much of the public anger has focused on Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who is accused of overseeing the crackdown. While ACT-Wazalendo could contest local elections in Zanzibar, its candidate was barred from running against Hassan on the mainland.

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Sowore Threatens To Proceed With Oworonshoki Demolition Protest Despite Police Alert

Wale busari02 mins

Omoyele Sowore, the Nigerian activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, has pledged to go ahead with a protest in Lagos over the recent demolitions in Oworonshoki, rejecting a warning from the Lagos State Police Command. On his Facebook page, Sowore wrote: “I heard the CP of the Nigeria Police Force Lagos had the effrontery to warn that TIB & I are not to protest over Oworonsoki Demolitions; these unprofessional, wornout officers have no place in our society. The mass action must go on!” He described the warning as unprofessional and insisted the demonstration would continue. The demolitions in Oworonshoki have drawn public backlash, with residents claiming their homes were destroyed without proper compensation. Eyewitnesses said police deployed around 50 officers and used tear gas to disperse residents during the late-night operation. The Lagos police commissioner had cautioned Sowore and his supporters to stay away from the state, threatening legal action if public order was disrupted. He defended the demolitions, saying the affected structures were illegal and sometimes used by criminals. Sowore’s determination to proceed highlights his ongoing fight against government overreach and his advocacy for citizens’ rights, attracting attention both within Nigeria and internationally.

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SUV Crashes Into Electrified Barricade During #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja

Kamal Yalwa02 mins

Panic erupted in the Nigerian capital on Monday after an SUV accidentally drove into a barbed electric wire barricade set up by security forces during a protest calling for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The incident occurred amid heightened tension as demonstrators gathered in Abuja to demand Kanu’s freedom. According to eyewitness reports, the electrified barrier had been installed by security personnel to prevent protesters from advancing toward restricted government areas. Video footage circulating online shows the SUV colliding with the live wire, sparking chaos as onlookers screamed in fear. Security officers at the scene quickly warned the occupants to remain inside the vehicle while they disconnected the power source to avert possible electrocution. The crash happened as police moved to disperse the crowd, firing teargas and making multiple arrests, including that of Kanu’s lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor. Authorities had earlier issued warnings against holding protests near sensitive zones, citing an existing court order. The protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, has drawn increased security presence around Abuja’s major routes and government buildings.

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Tension in Abuja as Security Forces Seal Off Presidential Villa Over Nnamdi Kanu Protest

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

Heavy security presence enveloped parts of Abuja on Monday amid planned demonstrations demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The protest, convened by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore under the #RevolutionNow movement, triggered widespread gridlock across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security forces mounted tight surveillance around key government institutions. Soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed in large numbers, sealing off the Three Arms Zone and intensifying stop-and-search operations around the Presidential Villa and adjoining routes. Even staff of the Villa with valid parking permits were turned back and redirected to alternative routes after all access points to the State House were closed. One frustrated staff member posted online: “Please, can someone find out what is going on in the Villa? All access roads are blocked. Nobody is allowed in, even with tags.” The lockdown caused heavy traffic along major routes including the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, where soldiers reportedly mounted checkpoints near the Sani Abacha Barracks as early as 4 a.m. Civil servants and traders commuting from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka faced long delays. Security blockades were also observed along the Dutse–Bwari axis and Airport Road, forcing travelers heading toward the Central Business District to take detours. One internal memo to workers read: “Good morning, dear colleagues. Please, if you are coming from Airport Road to Central Area, follow Area 1. Security blocked from National Mosque.” Security patrols were also visible around Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly, with officials on high alert to prevent disruptions. Nnamdi Kanu, arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, remains in custody despite multiple court orders for his release. His supporters continue to demand his freedom, citing concerns about his deteriorating health and prolonged detention.

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