PeakNews Online
Abuja, Nigeria – August 1, 2024: Seventeen people were feared killed across various states in Nigeria, including Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa, during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest held on Thursday.
Fatalities and Clashes
In Abuja and Kano, one person was shot dead in each location. Jigawa saw two fatalities, while security forces reportedly killed six individuals in Niger. Additionally, four deaths occurred in Borno and three in Kaduna.
The protests began peacefully but turned violent in several cities, leading to confrontations between police and demonstrators. Businesses, banks, shopping plazas, and some markets remained closed, fearing the escalation of the unrest.
Incident in Abuja
In Abuja, a man was shot dead along the Kubwa expressway. An eyewitness, Ekaete, described the incident, stating, “The protesters blocked the highway and harassed motorists. As they became violent, the police fired live shots, killing the young man.”
Further confrontations occurred at Eagles Square, near the Presidential Villa, where police fired teargas at protesters chanting the old national anthem and demanding an end to bad governance. The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, attempted to address the crowd but was met with chants of “hunger dey.”
Protests and Police Response
The situation escalated as security operatives used more teargas and pepper spray to disperse protesters. A female protester confronted the police, holding her baby and daring them to shoot, expressing her frustration over the hardship in Nigeria.
Protesters also gathered at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, defying a court order restricting them to the location. They moved to Eagles Square upon learning about police harassment of other demonstrators. Meanwhile, pro-government protesters were brought to the stadium, some admitting they were paid to counter the hunger protest.
Nationwide Protests
In Abuja, protesters, including women and children, blocked major roads, chanting anti-government slogans. In Mararaba, Nasarawa State, two people were reportedly hit by stray bullets as protesters occupied the Abuja-Keffi highway and set up bonfires.
Government’s Response
Amid increasing tension, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike called for dialogue, expressing the government’s willingness to discuss with the youths. The protests are expected to continue until the government meets the demonstrators’ demands, including reducing petrol prices, ending insecurity, closing IDP camps, and implementing electoral reforms.
