Kano Protesters Ransack FG's Innovation Hub [PHOTOS]

Looters Target Kano Digital Park Amid Protests

Innovation park vandalized in Kano protests...

Protesters loot and vandalize Digital Innovation Park in Kano, Nigeria, just before its commissioning, as Governor Abba Yusuf supports nationwide protests against economic hardship.

A group of protesters broke into the Digital Innovation Park in Kano State on Thursday, August 1, just as the facility was about to be commissioned. The protesters vandalized the building and made off with various properties, as part of a nationwide demonstration against economic hardship.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State had earlier expressed his support for the protests, recognizing the right of citizens to peacefully express their grievances. On Wednesday, July 31, he publicly endorsed the nationwide protest against economic hardship, promising to welcome peaceful protesters to the Government House and pledging his support for their cause.

At a stakeholders' meeting held at the Government House, Governor Abba Yusuf reiterated the importance of respecting Nigerians' democratic right to protest, while also urging young people to express themselves peacefully and responsibly, ensuring that their demonstrations remain orderly and lawful.

Read Also: Catholic Bishops Support Protests as a Means to Amplify Marginalized Voices

Reacting to the incident on X, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said: “Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters.

“Alongside 3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week. A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”

Details later...

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