by Chi Ibe

Last night in Kano, the #OccupyNigeria protest, or the #HarmattanRevolution as some have called it, took place. For over 12 hours, according to eyewitness accounts, hundreds of protesters peacefully occupied the Silver Jubilee Roundabout in the city centre in what some called an “unprecedented” protest.

It started in the day with solidarity as Muslims prayed to start off the protests, and Christians surrounded them to protect them. Soon the roads were blocked as the protesters found their way to the city centre – leaving behind deserted streets including the always-busy Zaria Road; as well as entreaties by the governor for dialogue.  The roads were blocked as the city was brought to a standstill, after entreaties by the governor were rejected.

The protest continued till late in the night, when policemen scattered the gathering with tear gas.

“They’ve charged into the crowd with tear gas with their trucks! The crowd is scattered! I just hope there is no serious injury or even death,” citizen reporter, @dawisu tweeted. He confirmed in another tweet that no life was lost. “No deaths at kano Protest as far as I know pls! D police just used tear gas n dispersed d crowd! Am safely home now!”

By this morning, the police has barricaded the Silver Jubilee Roundabout (now christened Liberation Square) , and blocked the  road leading to Government House. But the protesters plan to go ahead. According to @dawisu: “We will meet again today and prepare n org better! We r not violent n as such must b allowed to continue our peaceful protest.”

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