Nigerian Security Forces Kill At Least 10 on Day 1 of #EndBadGovernance Protests

The first day of the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria was marred by violence, with at least 10 individuals, including protesters, killed by Nigerian security forces. The demonstrations, driven by widespread economic hardship and poor governance, quickly descended into chaos as clashes erupted between protesters and security personnel in several states.

In Kano State, two protesters were fatally shot after breaching the Government House premises. Security operatives opened fire, resulting in their deaths, which has left the nation in shock. The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence that has sparked outrage and heightened tensions across the country.

The tragic death of Yahaya Nda Isah in Suleja, Niger State, was confirmed by Abdullahi Liman, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Suleja branch. Liman, on instructions from the NBA national president, visited the home of the deceased. He recounted, “I got information that a man was shot dead and I came to the house of the victim to confirm things for myself and I have seen the corpse. This cannot be denied.” Liman emphasized that the NBA had set up monitoring committees to observe the protests and gather information on such incidents.

In Borno, four protesters were allegedly killed by soldiers in front of Kime petrol station in Bolori, Maiduguri. This incident occurred despite a 24-hour curfew imposed by the Borno government in response to escalating protests over hunger.

Kaduna also witnessed fatalities, with at least three protesters reportedly killed. Eyewitnesses claimed that police gunfire was responsible for two of the deaths, while a Reuters witness confirmed seeing a dead body outside the Kaduna State Government House. However, Mansur Hassan, the state’s police spokesperson, denied the use of live ammunition, asserting that only tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. He promised an investigation into the incident.

The widespread violence and the government’s response have drawn sharp criticism from civil society leaders. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and counsel for the Take-it-Back movement, criticized the police for failing to protect peaceful protesters. He stated, “The Inspector General of Police vowed to keep protesters safe and this development negates the promise. The police are meant to keep protesters safe, and that’s what we were promised during our engagements with the IG of police.” Adegboruwa demanded that officials responsible for the killings be prosecuted and reminded President Bola Tinubu of his commitment to uphold democratic values and protect the rights of citizens.

Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the use of live ammunition against protesters, calling it “utterly unnecessary and unjustified.” Sanusi warned that such actions would only escalate the protests, making the situation more volatile. He urged the government to respect the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and demanded an investigation into the shootings.

Public outrage has been palpable, particularly on social media, where Nigerian Twitter users have voiced their frustration. Many are demanding the immediate resignation of President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of failing to address the protesters’ grievances or acknowledge the nation’s suffering. One user, @GovShina, tweeted, “If the President and his Gang Can Not Fix the Economic, Security and other Issues being Faced by Nigerians, they Should All RESIGN IMMEDIATELY. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.”

The #EndBadGovernance protests, ignited by soaring inflation and economic mismanagement, have quickly become a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with the government.

Mimi Mefo Info