Segun Atanda/
Nationwide protests erupted today under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, as thousands of Nigerians took to the streets to demand substantial reforms and an end to systemic corruption, despite President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for calm and dialogue.
Demonstrations occurred in major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, with reports of violence, looting, injuries, and even deaths emerging from various locations.
Organized primarily through social media, the protests saw participants carrying placards and chanting slogans that called for accountability, transparency, and better public services. Key grievances include hunger, high cost of living, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, poor healthcare, and a failing education system.
Protesters also revived calls from the #EndSARS movement, demanding an end to police brutality and improved law enforcement practices.
Despite the initial peaceful nature of the protests, several major incidents were reported:
Clashes between protesters and police in Lagos resulted in the use of tear gas and water cannons by security forces. Channels TV reported that several protesters were injured in the ensuing chaos, and at least two deaths were confirmed by local hospitals.
In Abuja, police reportedly fired live ammunition into the air to disperse crowds near the National Assembly, leading to a stampede that caused multiple injuries. Premium Times noted that at least one protester was critically injured and remains hospitalized.
Looting was reported in Port Harcourt, with several shops and businesses vandalized.
Media reports cited eyewitnesses who described scenes of chaos as protesters clashed with security personnel. Multiple injuries were reported, though no fatalities have been confirmed.
Violence in Kano escalated rapidly, resulting in the deaths of at least three protesters, according to reports from Sahara Reporters.
The violence erupted after protesters attempted to storm a government building, leading to a fierce response from police.
Some protesters also reportedly looted and set fire to part of a building belonging to the Nigerian Communications Commission in Kano.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said at a press conference that a policeman was killed while others sustained injuries during today’s protest.
Major media outlets have been extensively covering the protests. Reports highlight the widespread nature of the demonstrations and the government’s efforts to manage the situation.
However, the media also noted the severity of the response from security forces, which has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
The protests have garnered significant support from the public, with many Nigerians seeing them as a necessary push for governmental accountability. “This is about our future. We cannot remain silent while our country falls apart,” said Nkechi Nwosu, a student protester in Abuja.
However, there are concerns about the escalating violence. “While I support the cause, I worry about the safety of our people,” remarked Lagos resident Ibrahim Olawale.
The #EndBadGovernance protests have drawn international attention, with global leaders and organizations calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution.
Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to respect the rights of protesters and address their legitimate grievances. The United Nations and several foreign embassies in Nigeria have issued statements expressing concern over the violence and urging dialogue.
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