“Kidnapping is Enough,” “We are Hungry,” read some of the placard inscriptions as residents of Jos, Plateau state, took to the streets on Thursday, Aug. 1, to join the first day of a nationwide protest against bad governance in Nigeria.

Around 8 a.m., the crowd began gathering at the Old Airport Junction, a notable assembly point in the metropolis used during the anti-police brutality protest in 2020. The gathering grew despite a heavy security presence.

Prophet Isa El-Buba, a leading Christian cleric in the state, addressed the protesters later. “The people of Nigeria are peacemakers… but they desire the welfare of one another,” he said. 

“As a young person, I am tired of the hardship we are facing in the country,” one of the protesters, Deborah Sati, a social justice activist, told HumAngle. “Inflation is so high. As someone whose parents are petty farmers, it is even difficult to buy fertilisers. This is one of many reasons. There’s kidnapping and terrorism. Our leaders have failed us!”

Nigeria’s former minister for youth and sports, Solomon Dalung, who also joined the protest, seemed to agree with Deborah’s last statement.

“My generation has failed the youths,” he stated. “I apologise for my failures. Today, I stand in solidarity with all Nigerian people to protest against bad governance.”

After speeches from various group representatives, the protesters marched through the Yakubu Gowon Way, one of the city’s busiest routes. Other protesters moved through streets within the Jos Main Market in the city centre. They later returned to the assembly point to continue chanting and displaying placards to press their demands.

A powerful display of interfaith solidarity unfolded during the protest when Muslims observed the Dhuhr (afternoon) prayer surrounded by a circle of Christian protesters who stood in respectful silence. Once the prayer concluded, the protesters resumed their chants in unison.

“It was a beautiful sight, considering the religious riots we have faced in the past,” one protester, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

Since the first major crisis in 2001, Jos has remained divided along ethno-religious lines. “It is exciting to see that we are united for this cause. I hope it will remain this way,” said Deborah. 

The protest continued until 5 p.m. when people began dispersing. Some stayed behind to clean up trash around the Old Airport Junction.

HumAngle observed that the ten-hour demonstration was peaceful. There were no incidents of harassment from security agents or vandalism, as recorded in other parts of the country.

“It was peaceful,” one protester exclaimed as they walked away. “We will come back tomorrow.”