On the first day of nationwide protests against economic hardship, at least 14 individuals, including a policeman, lost their lives. The fatalities occurred in several states: six in Suleja, Niger State; four in Maiduguri, Borno State; three in Kaduna State; and one in Kebbi State.
The protests, initially peaceful, escalated into violence in various locations. In Suleja, demonstrators clashed with security forces while blocking the Abuja-Kaduna highway, leading to multiple deaths and injuries. In Maiduguri, four workers at a filling station were killed, with conflicting reports attributing the deaths to either stray bullets or explosions.
Curfews were imposed in Borno and Kaduna States as the situation deteriorated. Kaduna saw three protesters killed and numerous injuries when security forces used hot water and vehicles to disperse crowds. In Kebbi, a plastic dealer was also reported killed amid the chaos.
The unrest spread to other regions, including Kano and Abuja, where protests turned violent with incidents of looting and extortion. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, appealed for dialogue amid the turmoil. Meanwhile, Lagos remained relatively calm as protests there adhered to planned routes and demands.
The federal government, through President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Wike, is currently addressing the situation and calls for calm as the country navigates the unrest.
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