Curfew imposed in Kano state after 'hunger' protest

By Kenneth Ako

 A curfew has been imposed in Kano Nigeria, after protests against the high cost of living were "hijacked by thugs" who engaged in widespread looting and the destruction of property.



Kano saw the largest crowds on the first day of nationwide protests that forced many businesses to shut. Demonstrators in all major cities took to the streets, chanting slogans such as: “We are hungry.”


Police fired live bullets and tear gas - and sprayed hot water - to try and disperse thousands of demonstrators in Kano city. Four people were wounded, and taken to hospital.


Protesters had earlier set alight tyres to make a bonfire in front of the house of state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Looters also broke into a warehouse near the governor's house and people were seen carrying away 25-liter cartons of vegetable cooking oil and mattresses.




The curfew effectively bars protests from continuing, with all residents expected to remain at home. The last census in Nigeria, in 2006, put Kano state's population at 9.4 million, with unofficial estimates putting its current population at around 20 million.



The protests - called for 10 days - have been organized via social media and inspired by the recent success of protesters in Kenya who forced the government to scrap plans to increase taxes.


Mr Yusuf's spokesman said the protests were peaceful in Kano, but the governor was forced to declare a curfew to "restore order and ensure the safety of our communities" because of "rampant looting, destruction of property and violence" unleashed by "thugs".

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