Hon. Sani Nazifi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Gumel, Gagarawa, and Maigarati, narrowly escaped an attack by angry constituents on Thursday.
The protesters, frustrated by hunger and bad governance, stormed his residence but found he had already fled.
The protesters also targeted the home of the APC Zonal Vice Chairman, who had also escaped before their arrival. Unable to find their targets, the mob turned their anger towards the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the party’s state headquarters on fire.
Nationwide protests on Thursday saw citizens demanding government intervention to lower commodity prices and end hunger. Despite efforts by state and federal officials to dissuade the protesters with relief materials and cash handouts, the situation in Jigawa escalated into violence.
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The demonstration in Jigawa began peacefully, but the lack of government officials to address the protesters led to a march to the APC secretariat, which was subsequently set ablaze. Protesters destroyed billboards and publicity materials before burning down the building in the state capital, Dutse. Vehicles parked within the premises were also torched.
Reports indicated that hoodlums infiltrated the peaceful protest, prompting police to fire teargas to disperse the crowd, but this only intensified the violence. Two people were reportedly killed, and over ten others injured. Four people were admitted to the hospital due to injuries and suffocation from the teargas.
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Despite police presence and actions, the situation became uncontrollable. Armed youths overwhelmed the authorities, attacking innocent residents and spreading violence to other parts of the state. In Birnin Kudu, the State Fertilizer and Grains Stores were looted and vandalized. The state Agricultural Supply Company (JASCO) store in Gumel also suffered the same fate.
The unrest highlights the severe frustration among citizens over economic hardship and the perceived failure of the government to address their concerns.