Officers of the Nigeria Police Force shot teargas at a group of protesters in the Utako Market area of Abuja, the nation’s capital, as demonstrations against economic hardship continue across the country on Tuesday.
The protesters had gathered at the bustling market to strategise on the day’s activities when security operatives dispersed them with teargas, creating chaos in the area.
The protests, organised by several civil society organisations (CSOs) under the #EndBadGovernance movement, began on October 1 in both Lagos and Abuja.
The movement was demanding action against the recent fuel price hike, surging food costs, and the devastating impact of inflation on Nigerians.
Coinciding with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary, the protests serve as a follow-up to the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August, which turned violent in some states in the Northern part of the country.
Despite the police crackdown, the adamant demonstrators pushed forward with their calls for urgent government intervention in alleviating the nation’s economic woes.
