General News
Nigeria: Anti-Government Protests Result in Casualties
By Iyojo Ameh
Recent anti-government demonstrations across Nigeria have led to at least six deaths and numerous injuries.
On Thursday, thousands of predominantly young Nigerians took to the streets to protest the country’s severe cost-of-living crisis, the worst in decades.
In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, protests began early at 8:00 a.m. in several areas including Alausa, Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, and the infamous Lekki Toll Gate, where many were killed during the 2020 EndSARS protests.
Efforts by security forces to break up the crowds with tear gas were ineffective, as protesters regrouped shortly after. In Gwagwalada (Federal Capital Territory), protesters set fire to the Lokoja-Abuja road, blocking traffic.
In Abuja City Centre, close to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, protesters challenged the heavy security presence to voice their discontent with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which they criticized as corrupt and inhumane. At Eagle Square, even journalists covering the protest faced harassment from police.
In Kano, demonstrators set fire to and looted the National Communication Commission building, resulting in police shooting three individuals. Maiduguri in Borno State also saw violence, with three people reported dead.
Protests also occurred in Bauchi, Katsina, Daura, Gombe, Minna, and other northern cities, while in southern Nigeria, cities like Warri, Port Harcourt, Osogbo, and Ibadan saw demonstrations with no reported casualties.
As of the latest update, President Tinubu has not yet addressed the nation regarding the protests, apart from meeting with various stakeholders to halt the demonstrations.
Organizers have stated that the protests will continue until August 10 if the government does not address the current economic difficulties.
