Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria came to a standstill on Thursday as citizens took to the streets in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests against the government’s handling of the country’s economic crisis. The #EndBadGovernance movement, which has been simmering for months, erupted into full-blown demonstrations across the country, with Lagos, Oyo, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory experiencing significant disruptions.
Major roads in these cities were virtually deserted as armed security personnel were deployed to strategic locations. Businesses, from banks and eateries to fuel stations and stores, shuttered their doors in anticipation of the protests.
In Lagos, a heavy security presence was evident at key points such as Lekki Toll Gate and Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, as authorities braced for potential unrest.
While the protests initially began peacefully in Abuja, with demonstrators gathering at Eagle Square, the situation quickly deteriorated. Rogue police officers fired tear gas at the crowd, dispersing the peaceful assembly. A similar incident occurred near the Federal Secretariat, underscoring the police’s heavy-handed approach to the demonstrations.
Protesters expressed their frustration over the government’s failure to address the country’s economic challenges, including widespread hunger and unemployment. As they fled the tear gas, they cried out, “Why are you shooting tear gas at us?” highlighting the peaceful nature of the protests.
Earlier in the day, the FCT Commissioner of Police had attempted to redirect protesters from their assembly point near the MKO Abiola Stadium to the stadium itself. However, the crowd refused, citing a lack of legal basis for the order. A tense standoff ensued, with the protesters eventually marching towards Eagle Square.
Some videos seen by MMI from Borno also show scenes of police violence against the protesters are some of them are running away from the areas of the protests.
Despite the heavy security presence, the protesters remained defiant, chanting slogans like “We Are Hungry” and “Police Are Hungry”. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further unrest as the day progresses with the #EndBadGovernance protests just a few hours into the first day.
