Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, popularly known as IG Wala, has described himself as one of the victims of the 2024 EndBadGovernance protest, alleging that hoodlums hijacked the demonstration and looted his multi-billion-naira business.
Wala made the disclosure while appearing as a guest on Spotlight, a programme on S24 Television Abuja, where he narrated how the protest, which began as a call for improved governance and relief from economic hardship, affected his business operations.
According to him, criminal elements took advantage of the protest to attack and loot properties, turning what was initially a peaceful movement into a situation that caused severe losses for some individuals and businesses.
“I was a victim of protest,” Wala said, explaining that his business suffered significant damage after hoodlums allegedly hijacked the demonstrations.
He called for more courage among people in Northern Nigeria to openly discuss internal challenges affecting the region, stressing that honest conversations are necessary for development.
Wala argued that communities must be willing to acknowledge their mistakes and address their problems collectively rather than avoiding difficult discussions.
“Speaking to ourselves will make it possible to address some issues because Northern Nigeria has all the potential to move forward ahead of what we are seeing today,” he said.
The activist also emphasised the need for responsibility, unity, and self-reflection among citizens, noting that sustainable progress requires communities to identify and confront issues affecting their growth.
The EndBadGovernance protests, which took place in August 2024, attracted Nigerians across several states demanding solutions to economic hardship, rising living costs, and governance concerns.
However, the demonstrations also recorded incidents of vandalism, looting, and clashes in some locations, with authorities and affected individuals calling for measures to prevent criminal groups from exploiting legitimate protests.
Wala’s comments have renewed discussions about the balance between citizens’ right to protest and the need to protect lives and property during public demonstrations.
