Smoke rises from the burnt tires on a street, while demonstrators check the vehicles during an anti-government demonstration to protest against bad governance and economic hardship in Abuja, Nigeria August 1, 2024. REUTERS/Abraham AchirgaSource: REUTERS
On August 1, 2024, Nigerian police fired tear gas and shots in the air to disperse thousands of protesters across the country.
The demonstrations, driven by the worsening cost-of-living crisis, saw significant participation in cities like Abuja, Kano, and Lagos.
Protesters, primarily young people, took to the streets to voice their frustration over soaring inflation, a devalued currency, and the removal of fuel subsidies. These economic challenges have left many Nigerians struggling to afford necessities.
In Kano, protesters set fire to tyres outside the state governor's office, prompting police to respond with tear gas. Similar scenes unfolded in Abuja, where security forces blocked roads and used tear gas to prevent demonstrators from reaching key protest sites.
The protests turned deadly, with reports of at least three fatalities and numerous injuries. Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the use of force by security personnel.