The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, 2024, against economic hardship in Nigeria, have led to significant violence, especially in the northern regions. The protests continued even after President Bola Tinubu called for an end to the demonstrations, facing a harsh crackdown from security forces. The economic crisis, driven by surging inflation and government policies that devalued the naira, sparked the protests. At least 17 people were reportedly killed on the first day of the protests, with incidents in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa.
Security forces have been accused of using excessive force, including live ammunition, against the protesters. Despite official denials from the police, the Nigerian Army admitted that one of its soldiers killed a teenager in Zaria, Kaduna State. Amnesty International condemned the use of deadly force, stating that at least 21 protesters were killed during the week-long demonstrations.
The violence has left many with severe injuries, financial losses, and deep scars. In Kano, the popular Barakat Stores reported a loss of over N5 billion due to looting during the protests. Victims across the country are calling for government intervention and support.
Prominent figures like Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka have criticized the government's response, and organizations like Amnesty International and Afenifere are demanding investigations into the killings and justice for the victims. Despite the crackdown, some protest organizers, like Damilare Adenola of the Take It Back Movement, insist that the movement has not ended but continues in the face of government repression.
