Nigerians on Saturday began the final lap of the ongoing nationwide protest against hunger and bad governance across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The nationwide protest which started on August 1, 2024 was organized by the “Take It Back Movement” to demand for the reversal of the harsh economic policies introduced a year ago by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
So far, about 22 people have been killed since the protest started, according to the Amnesty International.
The protest which started peacefully later turned violent because of the violent responses from the security forces deployed to maintain peace and order during the protest.
Their violent actions had been condemned by human rights organisations and activists within and outside the country, particularly, the Amnesty International.
It urged the Nigerian authorities to hold to account security personnel suspected for the unlawful use of lethal force on peaceful hunger protesters, leading to deaths and severe injuries, in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Suleja, FCT and other places.
The human rights organization alleged that the Nigerian security forces have been consistently using firearms to manage public gatherings with impunity, adding that it was unlawful to use live bullets to manage public gatherings.
It also noted that it was perfectly within people’s rights to hold peaceful protests.
This is even as the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Against Corruption and Injustice called for the unconditional release of over 200 peaceful protesters unlawfully arrested by security agencies during the protest.
The Co-Convener of the Coalition, Amb. Chris Iyama in a statement recently alleged that Nigeria police suppressed, arrested and used live ammunition on peaceful protesters which led to the death of the protesters, including women and children.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu had called for the suspension of the protest to create room for dialogue.
He said, “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity”, he said.
