At least three protesters were killed in Nigeria’s Kaduna state on Thursday as demonstrations erupted across the country against soaring living costs and government policies.
Eyewitnesses and Reuters reporters confirmed the fatalities.
Despite claims by Kaduna state police spokesperson Mansur Hassan that only tear gas was used to disperse crowds, protesters in the capital Abuja also reported being met with tear gas by security forces.
The demonstrations, which took place in major cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Maiduguri, reflected widespread public anger over economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu.
These reforms, while aimed at stabilizing the nation’s finances, have led to rampant inflation and increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
Authorities deployed heavy security forces to prevent violence, with a particularly strong police presence in Lagos.
Despite this, protesters managed to march towards the government house before dispersing to authorized protest locations. Inspired by recent protests in Kenya, Nigerian citizens are demanding the reinstatement of fuel and electricity subsidies, free education, and improved security.
In Abuja, the military erected roadblocks on major highways, while protesters gathered at a stadium. Even in Maiduguri, a region grappling with a militant insurgency, young people defied a heavy security presence to voice their discontent with government policies.
The protests highlight the growing frustration among Nigerians over the country’s economic challenges and security situation.