NewsNigeriaPoliticsAbuja Protest Turn Violent as Security Forces Fire At Protesters

A peaceful protest against the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria took a violent turn on Saturday as security operatives opened fire on protesters and journalists at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

As the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests continued into their third day, the mood in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, was a mix of determination and tension. While the crowds were smaller than before, the spirit of those who turned up was as strong as ever. They stood their ground, demanding an end to bad governance and a better quality of life.

Saturday’s turnout was noticeably lower, with protesters gathering in one area rather than spreading across the city like in previous days. But those who showed up haven’t lost their passion.

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium remained the main hub for the protests, as ordered by the Federal Capital Territory High Court for security in reasons. Although there were reports of smaller protests in other parts of Abuja, most of the action still centred around the stadium.

The protesters, mainly young Nigerians, kept things peaceful. They chanted slogans like “End bad governance,” “We want a better Nigeria,” and “Tinubu must go,” filling the air with their calls for change. The atmosphere at the stadium was calm but tense, with security forces, including the Nigeria Police Force, watching closely from a distance.

The heavy presence of security personnel, however, made some protesters uneasy. There was a lingering fear that things could escalate, especially after the clashes on previous days when police used tear gas and water cannons to break up the crowds.

The movement, which started with mostly students and young activists, grew on Saturday to include traders and government workers. This broadening of support shows that the call for accountability and good governance is resonating with more people. Beyond the street protests, there were also peaceful sit-ins at government offices and public institutions around the city.

One of the protesters who spoke anonymously shared why he’s been out on the streets. “I’m here because I’m tired of the suffering in this country,” he said. “I’m tired of the lack of jobs, the high cost of basic necessities and education, the bad roads, and the corruption. I’m also tired of a government that seems unbothered about our plight. I want a better future for myself. Nigerians deserve better.”

When asked what he hopes the protests will achieve, the protester, who’s 24 and has been protesting since day one, was clear: “We want a government that is accountable and responsive to the needs of Nigerians. We’re not going to back down. We’ll keep protesting until our demands are met. We can’t continue like this.”

However, things took a turn around 12:40 p.m. when the protest was suddenly disrupted. Security forces fired tear gas at the crowd, forcing them to disperse.

There were also reports that masked men in plain clothes believed to be officers from the Department of State Services, fired live rounds at the protesters without provocation. Journalists covering the event were also caught in the crossfire, with several vehicles sustaining bullet damage.

As of press time, the number of casualties remains unclear, but reports indicate that several protesters and journalists sustained injuries.

The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.