‘I still have bullet in me’: Victim of 2024 protest shooting seeks help

Two years have passed since the #EndBadGovernance protests erupted in Kano from August 1 to 10, 2024, fueled by the cost of living crisis brought on by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decisions to remove petrol subsidies and allow the naira to float. Twelve individuals lost their lives in Kano, the highest death toll nationwide, with many more grievously injured by security forces.

Among the survivors is Muhammad Alhassan, who still bears a bullet lodged dangerously close to his heart, a constant reminder of the August 1, 2024 tragedy.

Alhassan recounted the harrowing events that day. "We were watching the protest from our street when the police fired shots. A bullet hit my friend, Ali, in the head. He died later in the hospital. We fled, but I too was struck. The bullet remains inside me," he shared. Medical professionals at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital initially advised against extracting the bullet, citing potential risks to his central nervous system.

Now, Alhassan is experiencing recovery, though he must confront the fact that the procedure to remove the bullet remains out of his reach due to financial constraints.

Despite assurances from the government, such as the approval of funds for compensation and medical treatment, Alhassan has yet to receive the aid he urgently needs. "The government promised to support us after receiving the committee's report on the incident. Yet, two months have gone by, and we've heard nothing. He even promised we would be paid and treated for the bullet removal, but now he no longer answers our calls," Alhassan expressed his frustration.

He is not alone in his suffering. The families of other victims continue to grapple with the aftermath. Faiza Haruna, the elder sister of Fiddausi Haruna, who was allegedly shot while purchasing charcoal, shared the burden they carry. Their ageing mother now must care for Fiddausi's two children after his death. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf set up the Justice Lawal Wada Commission of Enquiry in January 2025, which recommended compensation and prosecutions.

However, nearly two years later, no actions have been taken to implement the report's recommendations. Abdulkadir A. Balarabe, the governor's Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs, acknowledged the delays but claimed that support would come. "You know how government matters are. There are thousands of such issues before them," he admitted, hoping for a resolution in the near future.