On Saturday, Nigerian police arrested dozens of protesters and used teargas to disperse crowds attempting to march to government offices in Abuja, the capital, marking the third day of demonstrations over the cost of living crisis.
In northern Kano state, witnesses reported that at least one person was shot in the neck and rushed to the hospital.
Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed on Thursday when protests turned violent, accusing police of using live ammunition. However, police stated on Saturday that seven people had died over three days of protests, denying responsibility. Nearly 700 people were arrested, and nine officers were injured, according to a police statement.
Authorities have been trying to keep protesters on the outskirts of major cities to prevent disruptions to business and traffic.
In Abuja, demonstrators gathered at a major stadium but were met with teargas from police when they attempted to march towards the city center. “Many Nigerians are feeling the same pains, so I believe they will come out and protest. I will be here till midnight,” said protester Julius Chidiebere before police intervened.
Journalists observed dozens of protesters being arrested and transported away in police vans.
In Kano State, police and the army intensified patrols after some protesters tried to break into a police station near the neighborhoods of Kurna and Rijiyar Lemo.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, over 1,000 protesters gathered peacefully to condemn the economic hardship exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s reforms. These reforms, which began last year, included the removal of a popular petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the currency, leading to soaring inflation.
