Hunger Protest Claims 17 Lives, Causes Heavy Business Losses

No fewer than 17 people were feared killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the #Endbadgovernance protests held across Nigeria on Thursday. Among the casualties, one person was shot dead in both Abuja and Kano, two in Jigawa, six were reportedly killed by security forces in Niger, four in Borno, and three in Kaduna.

The protests, which began peacefully, turned violent in several cities, leading to confrontations between police and protesters. In Abuja, a protester was shot dead along the Kubwa expressway, causing panic among bystanders. Eyewitnesses reported that the police fired live shots after protesters blocked the highway and harassed motorists. Similar violent encounters occurred at the Eagles Square, where security operatives used teargas to disperse demonstrators.

The unrest prompted widespread shutdowns, with businesses, banks, shopping plazas, and markets remaining closed to avoid potential crises. In the midst of the turmoil, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, attempted to address protesters at the Eagles Square but was met with chants of “hunger dey.” Despite calling for calm and civil protest, the situation escalated as police fired more teargas and pepper spray, dispersing the crowd.

Amid the chaos, a courageous female protester confronted the police, holding her baby and demanding justice after bandits killed her husband. She expressed her frustration with the hardships in Nigeria and criticized the police’s use of teargas on peaceful protesters. Meanwhile, other protesters, complying with a court order, had gathered at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from as early as 6am, highlighting the widespread discontent with the current state of governance in the country.