Protesters loot, vandalise NCC building in Kano

Protesters have looted the newly built Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) Industrial Park in Kano.

A youth-led nationwide protest against economic hardship kicked off across Nigeria on Thursday. The demonstrations have also turned ugly in Yobe, Lagos, Borno, Gombe and Abuja — with police aiming teargas canisters at peaceful protesters.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Kano, which is scheduled for commissioning next week, was raided by the protesters and set ablaze.

Some youths were seen making away with desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other appliances.

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy, said the development would be a setback.

“Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters,” Tijani wrote on X. 

“Alongside #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week.

“A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”

Operatives of the police command in Kano have thwarted attempts by other youths to break into a grocery store.

The suspects reportedly attempted to force their way into the two-storey building housing Sadaraki stores on Zoo road.

The suspects had destroyed some windows of the building before the police intervened.

On Tuesday, a group in Kano led by Anas Adamu, said the protest in the state is organised by 13 civil society organisations (CSOs) operating under the Northern Chapter of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM).

He warned protesters not to carry weapons, harass people or loot property during the processions.

In Yobe, irate protesters have reportedly set mass transit buses ablaze.