Thousands of people continue to march the streets in Nigeria calling for a reversal of government reforms.
Last year, authorities scrapped fuel subsidies and devalued the country’s currency in a bid to fix the economy. The measures sent the cost of living, especially food prices, soaring.
Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 34.19 percent in June 2024 — up from 33.95 percent in May.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said food inflation surged to 40.87 percent in the month under review as prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages soared.
“On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.40% points higher compared to the rate recorded in June 2023, which was 22.79%,” the bureau had said.
The nationwide protests called Ten Days of Rage were held in many Nigerian cities on Thursday, Friday and continue on Saturday.
In several states across the country, the protesters have been peaceful. They continue to demand good governance despite security agencies’ provocation.
The protests have turned violent in some states, particularly in the North, where some demonstrators have resorted to looting businesses, government buildings, and others, forcing some state governors to declare curfews.
14 Casualties
Fourteen deaths have been reported across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Borno, Jigawa, and Kaduna states.
In Borno, four people were killed in a Boko Haram attack on a procession, and 34 were injured, leading to a curfew; police say Maiduguri has since returned to normal. In Suleja, Niger State, two people died during violent protests, with allegations of security forces shooting seven, and clashes with political thugs.
Kano and Jigawa experienced looting and vandalism, resulting in three deaths, including an attack on a government house and damage to a Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) facility.
In Kaduna, three deaths occurred when protesters clashed with suspected hoodlums trying to storm the government house. Lastly, one person was killed in the FCT.
Many protesters estimated to be 34 were also injured and said police were firing live rounds.
The police said it only used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Benneth Igweh, police commissioner of the Federal Capital Territory, which includes Abuja, said a court order was issued to prevent disruptions of normal activities around the city.
According to a statement by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, posted on X, the 34 injured were on a “danger list”.
Police also said ”rioters” killed one police officer in neighbouring Gombe State and that an explosive device was recovered unexploded in the southern city of Lagos, the country’s commercial hub.
Hundreds Arrested
The police in Kano State have arrested 392 individuals suspected of looting the NCC Industrial Park and other locations amid the nationwide protests. The suspects were apprehended with various stolen items.
Also, the Nasarawa State Police Command said it arrested 50 protesters on the first day of the protest for disrupting public order and attacking officers.
Police Public Relations Officer Ramhan Nansel reported arrests were made in four local government areas: 25 in Lafia, 16 in Karu, six in Keffi, and three in Mararaba Udege. The suspects are in custody for further investigation and interrogation.
In the same vein, the Katsina State Police Command has arrested 64 people and recovered 693 bags of fertilizer following a violent protest.
Police Public Relations Officer Sadiq Aliyu reported that while no lives were lost, a government fertilizer warehouse was vandalized.
The recovered fertilizer and arrests were made in connection to the vandalism. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident. Calm has since been restored in the state after acting Governor Faruq Lawal imposed a curfew and banned protests.
Tinubu’s Silence Worrisome –
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the nation amid the ongoing #Endbadgovernance protests.
The PDP criticised Tinubu’s silence, claiming it exacerbates public unrest and demonstrates insensitivity to citizens’ concerns.
The opposition party called for urgent action on reducing fuel prices, stabilising the naira, and addressing food scarcity.
The party also urged Tinubu to end his silence, address the nation on these issues, and investigate reports of violence against protesters by security forces and alleged APC (All Progressive Congress) thugs.
Additionally, the PDP advocated for transparency in managing resources, recovering stolen funds, and reducing tariffs on essential goods. It emphasised the need for professional conduct from security agencies and called on Nigerians to continue peaceful protests for a responsive government.
Last month, Nigerian lawmakers pledged to donate half of their salaries to citizens for six months, and authorities relaxed taxes on certain food imports, including wheat, to lower prices.
On Monday, Nigeria signed a new minimum wage into law. But protesters say these measures are not enough and vow to occupy the streets until fuel prices return to normal.
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