Nationwide protests erupted in major Nigerian cities over the high cost of living, food shortages, corruption, and demands for the reinstatement of gas and electricity subsidies.
The protests, tagged #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, turned violent in some cases. Security forces are criticized for using excessive force against mostly peaceful protesters. Nearly 700 people, including 50 journalists, were arrested. Police used tear gas.
Seven persons or more were killed by security forces.
Violence and looting mainly occurred in Nigeria's northern states most affected by hunger and insecurity, leading to curfews in five states. Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina, and Borno, imposed 24-hour curfews and deployed security forces, citing violence, looting, and vandalism by "hoodlums."
Nigerian security forces cracked down on journalists in Abuja, arresting at least 50, firing bullets, tear gas, and gunshots at protesters and journalists.
Rights groups accused security forces of using lethal tactics against peaceful demonstrators and independently verified reported deaths.
Kaduna state police said tear gas, not live ammunition, was used against protesters.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's removal of the fuel subsidy in May led to significant inflation.
Demonstrators demanded government action on the worst economic conditions in three decades.
The Take It Back Movement demands action on the cost of living crisis, free education, constitutional reform, diaspora voting rights, and a separatist leader's release, finding inspiration in Kenyan youth protests.
Tinubu highlighted efforts to address concerns, including reducing debt servicing, infrastructure projects, student loans, small business support, and cancellation of food relates taxes.
He claimed the economy is recovering due to his intervention.
Banks, shops, and businesses remained closed due to protests, with business activities halted in Lagos.
Tinubu acknowledged citizens' pain and frustration, assuring them the government is committed to addressing concerns. He claimed the protests were politically motivated to weaken his government and called for an end to violence.
The events are complicated by misinformation on social media. Critics claim the Nigerian government uses old images to tarnish the protests.
Opposition leaders like Peter Obi and Senator Kingibe denied involvement in sponsoring or leading the protests, clarifying videos were taken out of context.
The Nigerian police spokesperson shared recent photos of arrested looters, disproving claims the images were from 2011.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed support for the protests against hunger.
Sources: Bloomberg, BBC, Reuters, FT, The Guardian, ABC News, LA Times, DW, Al Jazeera, Washington Times, France 24, Barron's, Semafor.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
