Police fire gunshots and tear gas to quell mass protests over Nigeria's economy. At least 2 killed
Security forces have fired gunshots and tear gas to quell mass protests across Nigeria as thousands, mostly young people, poured onto the streets to rally against the country’s spiraling economy
ABUJA, Nigeria — Security forces fired gunshots and tear gas to quell mass protests across Nigeria on Thursday as thousands, mostly young people, poured onto the streets to rally against the country's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. At least two people were reported killed.
The deaths occurred in northern Niger state where protesters clashed with security forces after blocking a major road, the local Daily Trust newspapers reported.
Elsewhere, police opened fire in at least two other states as crowds demanded an end to the spiraling economic crisis that has rendered the people of Africa’s top oil producer among the poorest in the world.
The demonstrations, dubbed “day of rage,” called for an end to chronic corruption and bad governance.
Live broadcasts from the protests showed some protesters looting warehouses and damaging public property. Three governors declared curfews in their states, saying that thugs had hijacked the protests.
Rights groups and activists denounced the violence and said police used excessive force.
Anietie Ewang, a Nigerian researcher with Human Rights Watch who monitored the protests, said they started peacefully and insisted the threat did «not require that level of response.”
There was no immediate comment from the government. Nigeria’s public officials, frequently accused of corruption, are among the best paid in Africa — a stark contrast to the hardship suffered by the masses.
The rallies kicked off with banners, bells and Nigeria’s green-and-white flag as protesters chanted songs and
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