The ’10 Days of Rage’ nationwide protest, which ended on August 10, 2024, left a trail of death, destruction, and socio-economic turmoil in its wake.
Despite efforts by the government, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, and well-meaning Nigerians to prevent the demonstrations, the organizers went ahead with their plans, leading to widespread chaos and unrest.
Derailed Protest
The protest, meant to address “bad governance” and hardship, resulted in wanton destruction, looting of shops and stores, destruction of government properties, loss of lives and limbs, and innocent civilians being caught in the crossfire.
For most people in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, and Borno, the tale of wanton destruction left many in rude shock.
The situation was only brought under control through the swift deployment of the military and the declaration of curfews in some states.
The economic cost of the protest is estimated at N500 billion, according to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite.
The minister expressed her disappointment and frustration on social media, stating:
“The loss of lives during the protests is saddening. My thoughts are with the families affected. The looting, resulting in billions lost, is a severe setback for our economy and entrepreneurs. Let’s honour those we’ve lost by striving for more peaceful and constructive dialogue.”
Setback
Analysts believe that the protest has set Nigeria back, eroding some of the gains already recorded by the present administration.
The protest caused monumental losses and undone the progress made by businesses and entrepreneurs. Jubril Kabir noted:”See this protest is similar to what NLC did some months back when the country was perpetually locked down just to teach those in government a lesson. The result was that the same set of people that needed help badly were indirectly hurt in the process. It is simple, don’t hurt the people you want to help.”
He added that the loss of lives and properties was preventable and avoidable but unwelcome by the instigators of the violence and destruction who profit from social unrest and turmoil.
Proactive measures
Experts say that more needs to be done to deter future instigators and prevent similar destruction.
Wale Adekunle recommended: “Part of what needs to be done is for the government to be both proactive and adaptive. By that, I mean the government must always try to be many steps ahead of instigators of violence and enemies of the state. The growing wings of instigators of violence must be cut into pieces to forestall future occurrences where some set of people will not only exploit innocent civilians but achieve their political agenda.”
The Federal Government has taken steps to hold the protest organizers accountable, blocking their bank accounts and declaring them wanted.
However, more comprehensive measures are needed to address the root causes of the protest and prevent similar incidents in the future.
