Protests Escalate in Daura, Targeting Buhari’s Residence, Emir’s Palace

Tensions reached a boiling point on Thursday as angry protesters swarmed the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari in his hometown of Daura. This local outburst is part of the wider #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that have been igniting across Nigeria, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s economic conditions.

In Daura, the protests quickly escalated into violence, mirroring scenes in other states where clashes have led to fatalities and forced at least three governors to declare curfews. Eyewitnesses recounted attempts by the mob to break into Buhari’s residence, expressing their frustrations by setting bonfires and chanting, “Bama yi! Bama yi! Bama yi!”—Hausa for “We don’t want.”

Video circulationg online captured the intensity of the scene, with young demonstrators vocally airing their grievances. The situation de-escalated somewhat when an unidentified individual from Buhari’s residence emerged, requesting that the protesters select a spokesperson to record a message to the former President.

However, the unrest did not end there. The protesters then made their way to the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk. In the ensuing confrontation, security operatives attempting to disperse the crowd reportedly shot one protester in the leg. Despite this, the demonstrators remained resolute.