Protests erupted across several Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Kano, Gombe, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, and Abuja, with some of the demonstrations turning violent.
In an interview with The Punch, Omoyele Sowore, one of the key organizers of the protests, claimed that the government’s actions were responsible for escalating the violence.
When asked about casualties and arrests during the protests, Sowore revealed, “So far, we are aware of 17 people who were killed in cold blood by the Nigeria Police Force. We also know of a police officer who was killed by a fellow officer in Katsina State after a water cannon armored carrier rammed into his van, and an immigration officer who accidentally shot himself in Borno State.”
Sowore expressed deep sadness for those who lost their lives or were injured while exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest. He stressed that the government was the first to escalate the situation by using water cannons on peaceful protesters in Kano and firing live bullets at demonstrators who were only holding placards.
“We will pursue legal action against the government on behalf of these unjustly attacked and detained citizens, and we will not forget. One day, those responsible for these grave crimes against the Nigerian people will be held accountable and face the legal consequences of their actions,” Sowore asserted.
Addressing the incidents of looting and vandalism during the protests, Sowore stated that the organizers had called for non-violent demonstrations and had urged participants to avoid any form of violence. However, he argued that the government’s heavy-handed response, including the use of water cannons, tear gas, and live bullets, triggered the violence that followed.
