A video circulating on social media shows a crowd gathering outside the mosque shortly after the Friday prayers, with reports that some individuals chanted “Ba Ma Yi”, a Hausa expression meaning “We do not want you”, as the President’s convoy prepared to leave.
According to accounts accompanying the footage, some agitated worshippers allegedly threw stones at the presidential convoy, turning the President’s departure into a tense security situation.
The reported protest was attributed to growing public frustration over the rising cost of living, poverty and economic hardship confronting many Nigerians.
The disturbance reportedly caused confusion around the mosque and disrupted movement in the surrounding area, with motorists said to have made U-turns to avoid the developing situation.
There were also reports of traffic congestion around Garki and Apo as people attempted to leave the area amid fears that the confrontation could escalate.
Military personnel and armoured vehicles were reportedly deployed at strategic locations to reinforce security and prevent further unrest.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing expression of public dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of the economy and the hardship experienced by households across the country.
However, details surrounding the incident, including the extent of the reported damage, possible injuries and whether any arrests were made, remained unclear at the time of filing this report.
The circulating video shows moments of commotion and movement among the crowd, but the reported stone-throwing, the identity of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the alleged protest have not been independently established.
There was also no immediate official statement from the Presidency or security agencies explaining the incident.
The Shehu Shagari Central Mosque is located in Area 1, Garki, Abuja.
