Angry protesters gathered at the residence of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, on Thursday.
The demonstrators, in large numbers, joined the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.
The demonstration turned violent in some states, resulting in deaths and prompting at least three governors to declare curfews.
The mob, which attempted to storm the former president’s residence, expressed their frustration over the country’s dire economic situation.
“They set up a bonfire in front of the former president’s house and were chanting loudly,” a witness told Daily Trust via telephone on Thursday.
In a video reviewed by Daily Trust, young people were seen passionately shouting.
“Bama yi! Bama yi! Bama yi!” the crowd chanted in Hausa.
The phrase, which literally translates to “we don’t want,” is often used to express disapproval during protests.
It took the intervention of an unidentified individual who emerged from Buhari’s residence to address the agitated youths.
According to the witness, the person requested that the mob select one representative to speak, assuring them that he would record the message for the Nigerian leader.
After this, the protesters reportedly headed toward the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk.
One protester was reportedly shot in the leg by security forces attempting to disperse the crowd, but the demonstrators refused to back down.
A Daura resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I was at my workplace organizing a speech and prize event for our students when the protest began. I was informed of the events unfolding. I learned that the protesters targeted the residences of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Emir of Daura, and Magajin Garin Daura. .
“On my way home from work, I passed by the residence of Alhaji Musa Uba, the Magajin Garin, a senior traditional title holder in the Emirate, and can confirm that some minor damage had occurred there. He was reportedly opposed to the protest, which may have provoked the protesters to attack his home. They threw stones at the house, but the situation was contained by security operatives. The Emir’s palace is currently guarded by both the army and police. As we speak, Daura remains calm.”
