August 1, 2024, marks the first day of a nationwide protest in Nigeria, with Gombe State experiencing both calm and chaos.
Initially, the Gombe metropolis saw most areas remain peaceful, as shop owners and traders collaborated with security agencies, and hired vigilantes, and hunters to safeguard their properties against potential vandalism.
Despite the general calm, most businesses chose to close for the day. The police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were visibly present, guarding these establishments. They took significant measures by barricading major entry and exit points at key markets, including the Gombe Main Market, Gombe Local Government, and the Old Market near the central Gombe Roundabout.
The morning’s tranquillity in Gombe Metropolis gave way to unrest around noon. The initially peaceful protest turned violent as demonstrators converged on the Government House, attempting to force entry. Security personnel quickly dispersed them, but the protesters regrouped and targeted a nearby government building. In a spree of looting, they seized government property such as bags of fertilizer, furniture, electronics, and even roofing materials, window seals, and water tanks. The building was subsequently set on fire.
The violence then spread to a nearby private lodge, where protesters stole beds, furniture, and electronics. Nearby businesses narrowly escaped being ransacked, with owners pleading their solidarity with the protesters to avoid destruction.
Faced with the escalating violence, security forces called for reinforcements and eventually managed to disperse the crowd. The military’s intervention was met with cheers from the crowd as order was restored.
By the end of the day, calm had returned to Gombe Metropolis. Residents are now hopeful that this will be the last instance of unrest in the planned 10-day protest.
Lantana Nasir
