Residents of Abuja stayed indoors on Thursday, August 1, 2024, as youth-led hunger protests commenced, causing significant disruption across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring areas.
In the Karu and Nyanya axes of Abuja, as well as Mararaba in Nasarawa State, the protests led to road blockages and widespread delays. The roads around Karu and Nyanya were primarily used by motorcycles and pedestrians, while protesters occupied the Abuja-Keffi Highway.
Hassan Aliyu, who intended to travel to Keffi from Nyanya Motor Park, expressed frustration at being stuck due to the lack of available vehicles. “I have been here since, but there is no vehicle. I don’t know what to do; maybe I will go back home,” he said.
Driver Ahmed Guru also highlighted the risks of operating vehicles amid the unrest. “We are being careful; we don’t know what the protesters will do. If you run into them and they vandalise your vehicle, you will be at a loss,” he explained.
Nathaniel Atume, manager of New Nyanya Transport Company, confirmed that the park had been closed due to safety concerns. “No vehicle has gone out with passengers today. We have closed the park,” he stated. Atume added that the lack of passengers and unsafe road conditions led him to dismiss his staff and close the park until further notice.
Tribune reporters noted that the Abuja-Keffi road was largely deserted, with some travellers using alternative routes through Old Karu Road to reach One Man Village. Youths were seen parading the highway, while security personnel kept a close watch.
Emmanuel Onuh, a resident of Nyanya Federal Housing Estate, remarked on the palpable tension and fear among the residents. “There is so much tension in the air as if something bad would happen. I think nobody wants to get caught in the protest crisis,” he said.
The inner streets of Karu and Nyanya were notably quiet, with most residents opting to stay indoors during the protests.
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