Nigeria Protests Turn Deadly: 19 Killed, Many Injured

By Stephen Asaba-ase

A nationwide protest against hardship and bad governance in Nigeria turned violent on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people and injuring several others.

The protests, which began peacefully, were hijacked by hoodlums in several states, including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT, Niger, and Jigawa. The violence led to the loss of lives and properties.

In Niger State, six protesters were killed in Suleja when police fired live ammunition to disperse the crowd. In Borno State, four people were killed and 34 injured after Boko Haram insurgents infiltrated the protest. Three protesters and one security operative were killed in Kaduna State, while two protesters were killed in Jigawa State.

In Kano State, three protesters were killed, prompting a 24-hour curfew by the state government. The protesters also vandalized properties belonging to the government and private individuals.

The Inspector General of Police has placed all units on red alert to prevent further breakdown of law and order. The police are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order.

The protests were staged across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, to register grievances against government policies that have imposed hardship on the people. The violence has raised concerns about the ability of the government to maintain law and order and protect the lives and properties of citizens.