Youths in Gusau protest against Tinubu over hunger and insecurity

Hundreds of young people took to the streets of Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on Monday, blocking a major road and chanting "Tinubu must go" in a protest against President Bola Tinubu's government.

The demonstration centred on Freedom Square, a busy junction that links key routes in the city. Videos shared online showed men, women in hijabs, elderly women and children marching, some wearing white T-shirts with the slogan and branded caps.

Traffic slowed to a crawl as tricycles, motorcycles and cars struggled through the crowd. A vehicle fitted with loudspeakers moved with the protesters, who carried placards and leaves.

One protester said in a video: "We are tired of hunger, we are tired of killings, Tinubu must go, we need a better Nigeria."

Security operatives were later seen trying to disperse the crowd to prevent the protest from turning violent, according to Daily Post. As of Monday evening, neither the Zamfara State Government nor the police had issued an official statement, and organisers had not publicly explained the reason for the gathering.

Why it matters

Zamfara is one of the North-West states hardest hit by banditry, kidnappings and attacks on communities. Armed groups also operate in neighbouring parts of the region, including Sokoto, Kebbi and Katsina states, which share boundaries with Zamfara.

The protest points to growing public anger over insecurity and the cost of living in northern Nigeria, where communities have faced repeated attacks, killings, abductions, displacement and destruction of property.

Freedom Square has become the main venue for political gatherings and demonstrations in Gusau since the present administration renamed it.

What happens next

It is not yet clear whether the protest will continue or spread to other states. Nigerians will be watching for a response from the police and the Zamfara State Government, and for any sign that the organisers will state their demands formally.