Protests in Nigeria Turn Deadly as Former Vice-President Atiku Condemns Police Actions

• Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar urged Nigerian security forces to stop using deadly force against protesters, condemning their handling of demonstrations
• Atiku criticized the government’s response to protests, calling for urgent action on protesters’ demands and accountability from security agencies

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerian security forces to cease using deadly force against protesters advocating for better governance.

The initially peaceful protest spiralled into chaos when some participants began looting and vandalizing properties in various states.

On Saturday, security forces, including the police, employed tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters in several regions, including the capital, Abuja.

Amnesty International reports at least 13 fatalities, mostly at the hands of security personnel. However, the police report only seven deaths, denying responsibility for any.

Atiku, in a statement on Saturday, criticized the security agencies’ handling of the protests, likening it to “the dark days of military dictatorship.”

He urged President Bola Tinubu to address the protesters’ demands urgently.

Atiku’s statement read: “I strongly condemn the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters, as seen today in Kano and Abuja. This behaviour is intolerable and reminiscent of the military dictatorship era.

“It is crucial to remind the government and security agencies of their primary duty to ensure a safe environment where citizens can protest without fear.

“When security forces shoot at innocent protesters, they only escalate tensions, turning peaceful protests into chaos. I refuse to believe our authorities intend to incite violence.

“I call on the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to monitor Nigeria’s situation closely and hold its leaders and security forces accountable.

“I reaffirm my advice to protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and avoid violence.

“Those who loot and destroy property must be prosecuted by law. Such actions undermine legitimate protests and benefit those who oppose their right to protest.

“President Tinubu must show true leadership by addressing and implementing the demands of the Nigerian people immediately.”