In the morning hours of Thursday, August 1st, 2024, the Nyanya axis of Karu Local Government Council in the Federal Capital Territory and its neighboring Mararaba town in Nasarawa State experienced a period of unrest. The cause of this disturbance was a protest against perceived governance issues, in which some citizens participated.
The protest led to a standstill in business activities as the demonstrators took control of the streets and main thoroughfares. Despite the substantial presence of security forces, including the Nigerian military, the police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilantes positioned in the area, the protesters ultimately overpowered them.
The protesters, numbering in the thousands, brandished dangerous weapons, stones, and placards with various inscriptions, challenging the security personnel stationed at key locations. They took control of the popular Abuja/Keffi Expressway, heavily manned by security forces, disrupting vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
All banks are securely locked, and market traders, as well as shop owners who had previously commenced their daily activities, hastily closed their shops to prevent potential looting by the protestors. Despite the presence of patrolling soldiers and warning shots fired into the air, the protesters remained undeterred.
At the time of reporting, two individuals were observed to have been fatally shot at Mararaba, reportedly by a stray bullet. It remains unclear whether the bullet was discharged by soldiers or the police personnel overseeing the area.