Protests in Nigeria over the rising cost of living have sharply decreased as of Monday, with only a few hundred participants left in major cities.
This reduction follows a severe crackdown by security forces that began last week.
The demonstrations, which started on Thursday and were initially set to run until August 10, drew hundreds of thousands of people to the streets in Abuja, Lagos, and other major cities.
Protesters voiced their frustration over economic hardships and crime.
The scale of the protests has diminished due to a harsh police response and President Bola Tinubu’s call for a pause in demonstrations.
Amnesty International reports at least 13 deaths resulting from clashes with the police, whereas the police claim the toll is seven, attributing some fatalities to accidents and an explosive device.
This unrest comes shortly after data revealed a 28-year high in annual inflation, which reached 34.19% in June.
In Lagos, where protests have been relatively peaceful, around 100 people gathered at the protest site, chanting “we are hungry.”
In Abuja, the main stadium, which had been a hub for protesters, showed no signs of activity.
In northern Nigeria, about 200 protesters in Maiduguri, Borno state, were dispersed by armed security forces, and in Katsina, security forces used teargas on demonstrators decrying hunger and insecurity.
Curfews have been imposed in several northern areas and Plateau state, which has also seen significant protests.
On Sunday, President Tinubu called for an end to the violence and expressed willingness to engage in dialogue.
Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has defended his economic reforms, which include the partial removal of costly petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, as essential steps to correct long-standing economic mismanagement.
Mysterious Discovery In Kware Unveils Alleged Occult Practices And Body Part Harvesting Suspicions
