Angry Protesters Hurl Stones At President Buhari’s Helicopter In Kano

Angry youths in Kano organized protests Monday following President Muhammadu Buhari's formal visit to the state amid heavy security presence.

People in the Hotoro district took to the streets and began throwing stones at government officials after the President went to commission the Muhammadu Buhari Interchange, according to Sahara Reporters. The youths also gathered and allegedly hurled stones at Buhari's helicopter.

In response, the security personnel fired warning shots into the air and even used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Several people reportedly pelted stones at the vehicles of government officials when the President's administration traveled to Ahmadu Bello Way from the Emir's palace to commission the Tier IV Data Center and Galaxy Backbone Limited Office Complex.

This is not the first time this month that such a protest has taken place in the region. Last week, angry protesters took to the streets hurling stones when the President visited his home state of Katsina to inaugurate several projects, Vanguard reported.

During the demonstrations, protesters chanted the Hausa phrase "Bamuyi Bamuyi," meaning "we are not interested."

Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, previously urged Buhari to postpone his travel to launch various projects in the state, as per Daily Trust. Ganduje had issued a statement, noting that the state's population had suffered hardships due to naira's redesign as well as the Jan. 31 deadline for old notes. He further said that the situation had sparked anger among the populace.

"This problem affects all of us. Therefore our voice must be heard in all nooks and crannies. We are a commercial hub. As such our position must be loud and clear," Ganduje said in the statement.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the assault on Buhari, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of allegedly funding the protesters that attacked the President's convoy in Kano State.

Debo Ologunagba, PDP's national publicity secretary, issued a statement, claiming that the planned attack on federal officials was "open treason" and "a sinful violation of the nation's sovereignty that needed to be condemned by everyone."

"The fight between Tinubu and Buhari is entering a new dimension. The attack in Kano was adequately coordinated and funded allegedly by Asiwaju," the statement read in part, Punch reported.