By Editor
Thousands of residents poured into the streets of Sokoto metropolis on Friday, protesting worsening economic hardship and insecurity, with sections of the crowd openly calling for military intervention to “restore order and ease suffering.”
The demonstrators, comprising youths, traders, and artisans, converged at Sahara Roundabout before marching through Ahmadu Bello Way, chanting slogans against rising food prices, fuel costs, and persistent bandit attacks in the eastern senatorial zone.
Placards displayed by protesters read “We Can’t Feed Our Families,” “Insecurity Has Crippled Our Markets,” and “Military Rule Is Better Than Hunger,” reflecting deep frustration over inflation and the impact of rural violence on farming communities.
Speaking to reporters, protest leader Musa Abdullahi, a grain dealer at Kara Market, said: “We are not politicians. We just want to survive. If civil government cannot protect us or bring food prices down, then let the military take over and fix this country.”
Other protesters cited the shutdown of major highways by bandits, the displacement of villages in Rabah and Isa LGAs, and the closure of rural markets as reasons behind their call. “Our wives are widows, our farms are empty. We are tired,” said Aisha Bello, a displaced farmer from Goronyo.
Security operatives from the police and NSCDC monitored the protest, which remained largely peaceful. Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Kaigama, appealed for calm, assuring residents that “government at all levels is working to address both economic and security challenges.”
In a swift reaction, the Sokoto State Government acknowledged the hardship but condemned calls for unconstitutional change. “Democracy remains the best path to resolve our issues. We appeal to citizens to channel grievances through lawful means while we intensify palliatives and security operations,” said Abubakar Bawa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmad Aliyu.
Civil society groups and traditional leaders also weighed in. The Sultanate Council urged patience and prayer, while the Sokoto Coalition of NGOs called for an emergency economic summit in the state. Analysts say the protest underscores the urgent need for coordinated federal and state action on food supply, rural security, and social protection to prevent further erosion of public trust.
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