Wed. Sep 18th, 2024
Protests broke out throughout Nigeria on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 and into the weekend over economic policies that are being blamed on the rising cost of living. (Source: Screenshot - Al-Jazeera)

ABUJA, Nigeria — At least 13 people were killed, and dozens more injured following nearly a week of protests over economic hardships in Nigeria that have been met with deadly force by the country’s armed security forces.

On Sunday, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu called for an end to the protests — his first public comments since the planned protests swept the country on Thursday.

Many Nigerians have expressed anger and frustration with the rising cost of living, which have been blamed in part on soaring gas and oil prices, as well as tariffs on electricity.

According to Amnesty International, 13 people were killed amid the protests.

Protestors have accused security forces of using excessive — and sometimes lethal — force. Nigerian police officials disputed the accusations, saying four people died after an explosive device detonated during a march in northeast Borno state, two were fatally struck by a car, and one person was killed by a guard who opened fire when protesters allegedly looted a store.

More on the protests and Nigerians’ demands to government officials.