Protests: Curfew imposed in four states

While Kano and Borno state governments imposed state-wide 24-hour curfews, Yobe restricted movement in three LGAs while Nasarawa imposed movement in one charged LGA.

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 his house and people were seen carrying away 25-litre cartons of vegetable cooking oil and mattresses.

The curfew effectively bars protests from continuing, with all residents expected to remain at home.

The protests – called for 10 days – have been organised 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”.

On Wednesday night, a court ordered that protesters in the capital, Abuja, keep to the National stadium, which is located on the city’s outskirts.

But after gathering at the stadium’s gate on Thursday morning, the demonstrators – who have also been shouting the refrain “End bad governance” – began heading into the city centre.

In Yobe State, the government imposed a 24-hour in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns where some hoodlums are taking advantage of the protest to vandalize, and loot government and private properties.

The Special Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters Dairy Abdulsalam urged the general public to abide by the curfew order and stay at home for peace to reign in the affected areas and the state at large.