Police officers on Friday dispersed protesters with tear gas in Abuja as demonstrators took to the streets to protest worsening economic hardship, insecurity and rising unemployment across the country.
The protest coincided with Nigeria’s 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic rule, with citizens gathering in parts of the Federal Capital Territory to demand urgent government intervention in addressing the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges.
The protesters carried placards and chanted slogans calling attention to the rising cost of living, persistent insecurity, unemployment and the growing financial burden on ordinary Nigerians.
Security operatives were deployed to monitor the demonstration, but tensions escalated when police officers fired tear gas canisters at the crowd in an attempt to disperse the protesters.
The demonstrators insisted that the government must take immediate steps to ease the hardship being experienced by citizens, arguing that many Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs amid soaring prices of food and other essential commodities.
The protest comes against the backdrop of increasing concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country.
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Recent incidents include the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, as well as recurring attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Many protesters also expressed frustration over unemployment and the declining purchasing power of households, saying the current economic conditions have made survival increasingly difficult for millions of Nigerians.
The demonstration further highlighted growing public concerns over the rising cost of living, with many families finding it difficult to afford food, transportation, healthcare and other necessities.
Friday’s protest occurred as President Bola Tinubu delivered his Democracy Day address, during which he highlighted the administration’s achievements and ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and improve the economy.
However, protesters maintained that more urgent and practical measures are needed to address the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
As of the time of filing this report, there were no immediate reports of fatalities or mass arrests linked to the protest, while security agencies continued to monitor developments in the area.