Journalists covering protests against Nigeria’s economic crisis were attacked by security forces, with several coming under gunfire. At least 50 protesters were arrested in the capital city of Abuja on Saturday, bringing the total number of arrests to nearly 700 across the country.
Journalists covering protests against Nigeria’s economic crisis were attacked by security forces, with several coming under gunfire. At least 50 protesters were arrested in the capital city of Abuja on Saturday, bringing the total number of arrests to nearly 700 across the country.
The protests, now in their fourth day, are against the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis, misgovernment, and corruption. Nigeria’s public officials are among the best-paid in Africa, despite the country having some of the world’s poorest and hungriest people.
According to journalists and videos reviewed by REPORT AFRIQUE, security forces fired bullets and teargas at protesters and journalists, with at least three bullet holes piercing a car belonging to one of the journalists.
The Nigerian secret service, whose operatives are usually hooded, were seen firing gunshots at journalists who were clearly identified as media.
A spokesperson for the secret service did not respond to inquiries, and the Nigerian police said seven people have died during the protests, none of whom were killed by security forces. However, Amnesty International reported that at least nine protesters were killed by security forces.
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development recorded at least 31 cases of attacks against journalists, including 11 arrests, since the protests began.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have called for an end to the protests, which were scheduled to last for ten days.
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