Nyanya axis of Karu Local Government Council of the Federal Capital Territory and its neighbouring Mararaba town, in Nasarawa State, were thrown into chaos Thursday morning, following the protest against bad governance, embarked upon early Thursday by some citizens.
Business activities were grounded as protesters took over the streets and major roads.
Despite the heavy presence of security personnel, compromising the Nigerian military, the police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes deployed to the areas, the defiant protesters overwhelmed them.
Thousands of protesters brandishing dangerous weapons, stones and placards with different inscriptions dared the security personnel stationed in most strategic places.
The protesters took over the popular major Abuja/Keffi Expressway, which is heavily manned by security personnel, thus preventing vehicular and human movements.
All the banks located in the axis were seen locked with heavy padlocks. Market men and women including shop owners who had earlier come to carry out their day’s businesses, hurriedly locked their shops to avoid them being looted by the protesters.
Although soldiers were seen patrolling the areas and shooting in the air to scare the protesters even as the latter appeared not to be deterred by the action.
As at the time of filing this report, two persons were seen fatally shot at Mararaba by a stray bullet. It was however, not known if the bullet was fired by the soldiers or the police personnel mannig the axis.
