A protest against rising food costs that began early Thursday apparently became violent after protesters allegedly stole a trailer carrying food along the Suleja-Kaduna road.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters overpowered the driver and grabbed control of the trailer, which was laden with rice and other things. They then began to steal from the truck.
One of the eyewitnesses said, “I saw the miscreants surrounding the trailer and chanting protest songs that it was their food.
“Before we knew what was happening, the hoodlums had overpowered the driver of the trailer, who had to run for dear life, and they began to steal from the trailer.”
The witness went on to say that security forces, including military, police, and civil defence staff, invaded the demonstration site and began using tear gas to disperse the protesters.
“It took some time before security operatives got to the scene to start shooting teargas and trying to make an arrest,” the source added.
Wasiu Abiodun, the state police spokesman, verified the occurrence.
Abiodun stated that Suleja Area Commander ACP Sani Musa dispatched patrol units to the spot and dispersed the protesters before the roadway was cleared for free flow of traffic.
“There was a protest this morning along Kaduna Road, Suleja, and the protest plan was not communicated to the police; it was later discovered to be hijacked by some miscreants who blocked the highway.
“Area Commander Suleja and ACP Sani Musa mobilised patrol teams to the scene, dispersed the protesters, and cleared the highway for free flow of traffic; however, monitoring continues,” Abidun said.
The official could not say how many of the hoodlums were apprehended at the time of reporting this article.
In recent weeks, there has been a wave of protests across the country against the hardships of the land.
It began with a demonstration in Kpakungu, Minna, which was claimed to be spearheaded by women.
It later resulted in the arrest of approximately 30 people, including the women who led the demonstration.
