Nigeria: At least 17 killed in protests over economic crisis

August 2, 2024 1

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Protests in Nigeria over economic crisis have turned violent in several states resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people, rights groups have said.

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” protests online, want to sustain their action for 10 days. The protests are inspired by youth-led protests in Kenya.

Protesters are unhappy with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms that have caused rampant inflation, weakened the currency and inflicted increasing hardship on ordinary Nigerians.

Tinubu says that while he understands the pain caused by the reforms, they are the only way to put Nigeria’s economy on a firm path to economic growth.

Amnesty International’s Nigeria director Isa Sanusi told local media that his agency has independently verified the deaths that were reported by witnesses, families of the victims and lawyers.

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More than 300 protesters have been arrested and authorities have now imposed curfews in the northern states of Kano and Katsina.

Looting of government and public properties were reported in those states by Nigerian police said.

Police have now been put on red alert and say they may seek the help of the military, the inspector general of police said.

“In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert,” Egbetokun said.

“The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.”

But some major cities, including the capital Abuja and Kano in the north, which on Thursday witnessed clashes between police and demonstrators and looting, were calm early on Friday.