Violence and Disruption Mark #EndBadGovernance Protest: See the Numbers of People Reported Dead and Widespread Damage
The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest on Thursday resulted in at least 17 reported fatalities across Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa. The unrest led to significant damage and disruptions, with businesses, banks, and markets closing due to the escalating violence.
In Abuja and Kano, one person was shot dead in each city, while two individuals were killed in Jigawa. Niger saw six deaths attributed to security forces’ gunfire, Borno reported four fatalities, and Kaduna had three reported deaths.
Initially peaceful, the protests turned violent in several locations, leading to confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. In Abuja, a man was killed along the Kubwa expressway after the protesters became aggressive and blocked the road. Witnesses reported that the police fired live ammunition in response to the escalating violence.
At Eagles Square near the Presidential Villa, protesters gathered and sang the national anthem, demanding an end to poor governance. Security forces responded with tear gas, and Minister of State for Youth Development Ayodele Olawande attempted to calm the crowd. Despite his efforts, tensions escalated further after his departure, leading to additional tear gas and pepper spray being used against the protesters.
A particularly poignant moment occurred when a female protester, holding her baby, challenged the police’s use of tear gas, expressing her frustration over her family’s hardship and the recent loss of her husband to banditry.
Earlier, some protesters had assembled at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, in compliance with a court order restricting their location, but later moved to Eagles Square due to harassment by security forces. Pro-government counter-protesters, reportedly incentivized with payments, also appeared at the stadium.
Protest organizers, including Damilare Adenola of the Take It Back Movement, stated that the demonstrations would continue until their demands were met, which include reducing fuel prices, addressing insecurity, closing IDP camps, and implementing electoral reforms. The organizers asserted that the protest would persist despite efforts to suppress it by security agencies.
Michael Lenin, another protest leader, confirmed that the demonstrations would continue on Friday, underscoring the protesters’ resolve in the face of intimidation.
