Man Climbs Broadcast Mast in Abuja, Demands Government Action on National Issues
In a dramatic incident on July 8, 2024, a man identified as Shuaibu Alhaji from Borno State climbed a broadcast mast on Katampe Hill in Abuja, threatening to jump to his death unless his demands were met. His demands included the reinstatement of fuel subsidies and the declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity.
According to a suicide note he reportedly left at the foot of the mast, he demanded the return of the fuel subsidy, among other demands for the government to alleviate the burdens on Nigerians. The note read, “These are the major Nigerian problems, and I’m ready to sacrifice my life for the solution to them.”
In his five-point list, targeting some of Nigeria’s challenges, he wrote, “On behalf of fellow Nigerians, I demand the following: ‘Government should return fuel subsidy.’ ‘Government should declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno on insecurity matters and take immediate action to clear terrorism in the above listed states and the country at large.’ ‘Government should open borders for food importation in order to eradicate food shortages in the country.’
Channels TV reported that operatives from the Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and other FCT officials were present to intervene. After several hours of negotiations, Shuaibu Alhaji was eventually persuaded to descend from the mast and was subsequently apprehended by the police.
This incident echoes a similar occurrence in September 2018, when a 28-year-old man, identified as Nurudeen Lliyasu, had also climbed a telecommunication mast in Abuja, to protest the poor economy in the country.
The man’s actions highlight the growing frustration among Nigerians over the government’s policies and the economic hardships faced by the populace. The incident has sparked a debate on the effectiveness of such extreme measures in bringing about change and the need for the government to address the concerns of its citizens.
