Nigerian police have reported that at least five people were killed and several others injured when protests against economic hardships turned violent in major cities across the country on Thursday.
The unrest, which saw clashes between demonstrators and security forces, has led to significant destruction and a heavy police response.
Kayode Egbetokun, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, stated that “hoodlums” incited violence under the guise of peaceful protests, resulting in widespread looting and destruction of businesses, government buildings, and police stations in cities including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Abuja, Niger, and Jigawa.
Egbetokun confirmed that one police officer was killed, although details were not provided, and reported that a bomb exploded among protesters in Borno, killing four and injuring at least 34.
In response to the escalating violence, Egbetokun announced that all units of the Nigerian police force had been put on high alert, with the potential for military assistance if necessary. The Associated Press reported over 300 arrests related to the protests.
However, Amnesty International Nigeria has disputed the police’s death toll, claiming that security personnel used live ammunition against peaceful protesters.
According to Amnesty, the clashes resulted in the deaths of six people in Suleja, Niger State; four in Maiduguri, Borno State; and three in Kaduna. The rights group’s report highlights the stark contrast between official and independent accounts of the violence.
The protests, which began as demonstrations against economic difficulties and systemic issues such as corruption and press freedom, were inspired by recent anti-government movements in Kenya. Organizers had hoped to replicate the success seen in Kenya, where protests led to the cancellation of proposed tax increases and a cabinet dissolution.
In anticipation of the protests, the Nigerian government had implemented several measures, including a significant increase in the monthly minimum wage for federal workers from 30,000 naira to 70,000 naira (about $43).
Despite these efforts, the protests continued, underscoring widespread dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. The president’s cancellation of a popular fuel subsidy and devaluation of the naira have been particularly contentious.
The protests are scheduled to last for ten days, with demonstrations reported to be ongoing in several cities on Friday. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds in Abuja and Kano, where protesters attempted to set fires outside government buildings.
In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, security forces were seen escorting protesters who carried placards and chanted anti-corruption slogans.
Religious leaders and social groups had previously expressed concerns that the protests could escalate into violence, mirroring the situation in Kenya. Human Rights Watch had also warned that the government’s rhetoric might lead to a violent crackdown, heightening fears of further unrest.
The situation remains fluid, with continued demonstrations expected as protesters press for changes to address Nigeria’s economic challenges and systemic corruption.
