At least 17 people were killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the #Endbadgovernance protest on Thursday, as the demonstrations turned violent.
The protests, which began peacefully, escalated into violent confrontations between security forces and protesters, resulting in the loss of lives and property.
In Abuja, one person was shot dead along the Kubwa expressway, while another encounter between protesters and police occurred at the Eagles Square, near the Presidential Villa.
Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, attempted to address the protesters but was shouted down. He called for calm, stating, “I’m not here to fight you, I’m not here to ask you not to protest, it is your right.”
Despite his efforts, the situation escalated, with security operatives firing teargas and pepper spray, dislodging protesters.
A courageous female protester confronted police officers, holding up her baby and daring them to shoot. She shared her heartbreaking story of losing her husband to bandits in Katsina.
The protests, organized by the Take It Back Movement, demand the reversal of petrol pump price to N100/litre, an end to insecurity, and electoral reform, among other things.
Organizers vow to continue the protests until President Bola Tinubu accedes to their demands, despite intimidation by security agencies.
