Chaos erupted in Borno State as Nigerian Army personnel reportedly shot dead four protesters during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
The tragic incident occurred in front of Kime petrol station in the Bolori area of Maiduguri, the state capital. This violent crackdown came amidst a nationwide protest against economic hardship, which saw thousands of Nigerians taking to the streets.
The protests, which began early Thursday, were marked by widespread unrest and clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
In Maiduguri, the situation escalated when gunshots were heard, leading to panic and confusion among the protesters. A correspondent at the scene reported the discovery of a protester who had been gunned down, confirming that the shots were indeed fired at the demonstrators.
In response to the escalating violence, the Borno State Government imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state.
This decision followed the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Kawori Market, Konduga area, on Wednesday night, which resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and left several others critically injured. The curfew aims to restore law and order and ensure public safety amid the growing unrest.
The protests, driven by frustrations over economic hardship and perceived bad governance, have seen significant participation from young Nigerians.
Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans demanding better governance and the reinstatement of subsidies on gas and electricity.
Despite the heavy-handed response from security forces, including the use of tear gas in Abuja and other states, the protesters remain resolute in their demands.
The events in Borno are part of a larger wave of discontent sweeping across Nigeria, with similar protests occurring in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities. The government's response has raised concerns about a potential clampdown on dissent, drawing parallels to the deadly 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality.
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