During the #EndBadGovernance protest in Maiduguri on Thursday, Nigerian soldiers are alleged to have killed four residents of Borno State, adding to the ongoing series of violent clashes occurring throughout Nigeria. The nationwide demonstrations, which started earlier in the day, were triggered by widespread economic hardship and government dissatisfaction.
The protests, which were organised by young people calling for accountability regarding economic mismanagement, were met with a severe crackdown by security forces. According to reports, security forces in various states, such as Yobe, Lagos, Borno, Gombe, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), employed tear gas and other methods to disperse crowds.
According to local media sources, the fatalities took place in front of the Kime petrol station in the Bolori area of Maiduguri. According to eyewitnesses, soldiers allegedly fired upon protesters, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life and injuries to multiple individuals. The escalation of violence in Maiduguri has raised serious concerns regarding the management of the protests.
The United Action Front of Civil Society (UAFC) has strongly condemned the brutal crackdown on protests by Nigerian soldiers and security forces. Olawale Okunniyi, head of the coordinating secretariat of the organisation, voiced deep concerns regarding the increasing levels of violence. Okunniyi strongly denounced the actions of security forces in different protest centres, such as Abuja and Lekki, in a statement titled “Organised Civil Society Condemns Mayhem Unleashed on Peaceful Protesters.”
The statement detailed that “the peaceful protest in Abuja has been disrupted by both pro-government protesters and security agents,” who were reported to have forced anti-hunger protesters out of Moshood Abiola Stadium. The protesters, sensing danger, moved to Eagle’s Square, where they were met with further violence. “Security agents swooped on them and unleashed mayhem on peaceful protesters with tear gas canisters,” Okunniyi said. “Several unarmed and defenceless protesters were injured, and three were reported to have fainted.”
The UAFC’s statement expressed concern over the use of excessive force by the police and urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The Borno State government had previously implemented a 24-hour curfew across the state in response to the increasing unrest. This measure was implemented in response to a tragic incident at Kawori Market in Konduga. It was there that a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device, resulting in loss of life. There were 16 fatalities and multiple injuries caused by the explosion. Police Public Relations Officer Nahum Daso stated that Governor Babagana Zulum implemented the curfew after consulting with top security officials.
The nationwide protests and the violent crackdown underscore the escalating tensions between citizens and security forces, as Nigerians persist in their calls for improved governance and the alleviation of widespread economic hardship. The situation is constantly changing, with more updates anticipated as both protesters and authorities deal with the ongoing unrest.
