Kano, August 3- Protests have erupted across Nigeria in response to the recent surge in daily necessities prices, leading local governments in several northern states to impose a 24-hour curfew. The curfew, effective from August 2, has been enacted in Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, and Katsina states, restricting residents from leaving their homes and participating in the demonstrations.

The curfew follows significant unrest in Kano, where police clashed with thousands of protesters, using tear gas, rubber bullets, and hot water cannons to disperse the crowds. Reports indicate that at least three people were killed and many others injured during these confrontations.

The protests, largely organized via social media, draw inspiration from recent demonstrations in Kenya that successfully pressured the government to retract tax hike plans. Nigerian activists have used this momentum to challenge President Bola Tinubu's recent policy changes, including the immediate removal of fuel subsidies announced during his May 2023 inauguration. This policy has led to increased fuel prices, exacerbating the cost of living and impacting food prices.

Protesters are calling for not only a reduction in fuel prices but also broader reforms to the judicial and electoral systems. The situation remains tense as authorities respond to both looting and vandalism reported alongside the demonstrations.