Protests against the soaring cost of living in Nigeria dwindled on Monday as few people turned out in major cities after security forces used lethal force to quell demonstrations.
Hundreds of thousands had initially taken to the streets in cities including Abuja and Lagos, demanding relief from economic hardship and widespread insecurity. The protests, which began last Thursday, were intended to continue until Aug. 10.
Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people have been killed in clashes with the police since Thursday. Police reported a death toll of seven, attributing some to accidents and an explosive device.
A firm police response and a call for a protest pause by President Bola Tinubu have dampened the demonstrations.
In Lagos, about 100 people gathered at the protest venue, chanting “we are hungry.” In Abuja, there were no signs of protests at the main stadium where protesters had been gathering.
Curfews have been imposed in parts of the north and central Plateau state after the protests turned violent.
On Sunday, Tinubu called for an end to violence and expressed openness to dialogue. In office since May 2023, Tinubu defended his economic reforms, including a partial end to petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, as necessary to reverse years of economic mismanagement.
