The Traffic

"Nationwide Protests in Kaduna: Continue Amidst Government Cufew, Billions Lost.

Protests against hunger, food inflation, and bad governance have entered their fifth day, with demonstrators defying government orders to disperse. The protests have been marred by violence, looting, and vandalism, with reports of security forces using tear gas and live bullets against protesters.

The economic impact of the protests has been significant, with estimated losses exceeding N700 billion in the first five days. Lagos has been the hardest hit, with losses of over N600 billion, while Kano has lost over N100 billion.

In Kaduna, miscreants hijacked the protest, looting shops and terrorizing citizens. The state government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew to contain the situation. In Zaria, hoodlums looted shops and attacked security operatives, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.

Protesters in Zamfara waved Russian flags, calling on President Vladimir Putin to intervene in the crisis. However, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the protests.

Security forces have arrested over 873 individuals, including producers and distributors of Russian flags, on charges of treason and criminal offenses. The government has accused protesters of being sponsored by foreign interests and has vowed to crack down on the demonstrations.

The protests have sparked a national conversation about governance, economic hardship, and the role of security forces in managing public demonstrations. As the situation continues to unfold, concerns about human rights, freedom of assembly, and the government's response to the crisis are growing."