Nigeria Protests: 11 Killed Amid #EndBadGovernance Protest Nationwide 

(iexclusivenews) – On Thursday, Nigeria witnessed a tragic day as police officers deployed lethal force to disperse nationwide protests against hunger and corruption, resulting in the deaths of at least eleven people.

The demonstrations erupted across the country, reflecting the deep-seated frustration of millions of Nigerians facing severe economic hardships.

Deadly Confrontations in Kano

In Kano, a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria, witnesses reported that police actions led to the deaths of three individuals.

However, the police denied these allegations, claiming that violent elements within the Nigeria  protests exploited the situation to loot stores and fatally stab other demonstrators.

Violence in Suleja

According to reports from the Daily Trust, security forces in Suleja, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of protesters, opened fire to disperse the crowd.

This resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to several others.

The protesters had blocked a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, escalating tensions in the area.

READ MORE: Nigeria Protests: Wike Calls for Dialogue, Commends Nonviolence

Casualties in Maiduguri

In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, residents reported that at least two people were killed during the Nigeria protests.

The police have yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the violence in the region.

The protests were a culmination of months of failed negotiations between the Nigerian government and labor unions aimed at addressing the country’s severe economic crisis.

Millions of Nigerians took to the streets, driven by the dire conditions and lack of food security.

Government’s Response and Public Outrage

President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians, stating that his administration has been working tirelessly to provide relief.

Despite proposing a tariff cut for food imports, the plan was quickly shelved, further fueling public anger.

Security agencies had issued warnings for citizens to avoid protest venues, which were largely ignored as many saw it as a threat of a harsh government crackdown.

Reports indicated that the military was preparing for potential violence in Lagos, anticipating a significant escalation.

Internet Restrictions and Protest Suppression

In an effort to curb the spread of the Nigeria protests, the government reportedly slowed down internet speeds, hindering the distribution of multimedia content by demonstrators.

This move was seen as an attempt to stifle the momentum of the protests and control the narrative.