Officers of the Nigeria Police Force unleashed tear gas on a group of protesters gathered in the Utako Market area of Abuja, the nation’s capital, as demonstrations against economic hardship continued across the country on Tuesday.
The protesters had congregated at the busy market to strategize their activities for the day when security personnel dispersed them with tear gas, plunging the area into chaos.
These protests, organized by various civil society organizations (CSOs) under the #EndBadGovernance movement, began on October 1 in both Lagos and Abuja. The movement demands action against the recent fuel price hikes, soaring food costs, and the crippling effects of inflation on Nigerians.
Coinciding with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary, the protests serve as a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August, some of which turned violent in northern states.
Despite the police’s attempts to break up the protests, the resolute demonstrators persisted in demanding urgent government intervention to alleviate the country’s economic struggles.
