Today, Nigerian police fired teargas at protesters gathered at the Utako Market in Abuja, dispersing the crowd that had convened as early as 7 am. The protesters, participating in the #FearlessInOctober demonstration, demanded an end to poverty, hardship, and poor governance in Nigeria.
The movement, a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance protests held between August 1 and 10, aims to pressure the government to address economic woes and improve living conditions. Protesters carried banners reading “We are hungry” and “Enough is Enough – Revolution Now,” expressing frustration with Nigeria’s dire economic situation, including skyrocketing food prices and fuel costs, and widespread poverty.
Eyewitnesses reported injuries among protesters, but no official casualty count has been released. The police action has escalated tensions in the area, with security operatives resisting protesters attempting to access the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The #FearlessInOctober movement seeks to bring Nigerians from all walks of life together to demand change, with calls for improved security, better leadership, and an end to economic hardship.