The anti-hunger protest, which began peacefully on Thursday morning, escalated into violence as more demonstrators joined in. The situation intensified around midday in Gwarinpa, along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, where protesters began attacking passersby, motorists, and structures, taking over the service lane at Dawaki, opposite the Abuja Model City Gate.

Armed with cudgels, sharp stones, sticks, and other dangerous items, the protesters pursued anyone they encountered. Motorists and commuters on the service lane fled for safety, while policemen, soldiers, and Department of State Services operatives intervened to prevent attacks.

The weapon-wielding youths, many of whom appeared to be urchins, forced commuters and road users to scatter in different directions. Motorists heading towards the protesters made U-turns and sped away to avoid being caught in the violence.

At the Katampe Power Injection Plant, which supplies electricity to much of Abuja, a contingent of army personnel was stationed to prevent the protesters from vandalizing the facility and potentially causing a blackout in the city.