Chaotic Nigerian Protests: Journalists Under Fire, Nearly 700 Arrested

Chaotic Nigerian Protests: Journalists Under Fire, Nearly 700 Arrested

Nigerian security forces fired bullets and teargas at journalists and protesters during demonstrations in Abuja on Saturday, highlighting the country’s escalating economic crisis and political unrest.

The protests, now in their third day, have seen nearly 700 arrests and have drawn international attention to Nigeria’s severe cost-of-living issues.

In the heart of Abuja, bullets and tear gas rained down on the crowd. Reports from journalists and videos reviewed by The Associated Press confirmed the chaotic scene.

While it remains unclear whether the bullets fired were rubber or live rounds, bullet holes were seen in a journalist’s car, and live ammunition was found on the ground.

Journalists Targeted

Amnesty International Nigeria reported that at least 50 journalists were detained during the demonstrations. The protests, spurred by accusations of misgovernment and corruption, have spotlighted the stark economic divide in Africa’s most populous nation.

Despite Nigeria being one of the continent’s leading oil producers, public officials are among the best-paid, while many citizens face extreme poverty.

Eyewitnesses and video footage showed police firing tear gas at protesters near the Nigerian national stadium.

Witnesses described the sudden appearance of hooded operatives, likely from the Nigerian secret service, known as the Department of State Service (DSS). These agents aggressively dispersed the protesters and reportedly fired gunshots at journalists on the scene.

Journalist Abdulkareem Mojeed recounted the terrifying experience, noting that he and his colleagues were clearly identifiable as media personnel.

“It was shocking because they saw us as journalists, and we were telling them we were journalists,” Mojeed said, pointing out the bullet holes in his car.

The DSS, notorious for its harsh tactics, has a history of violence and wrongful detentions.

Attempts to contact the service for comments went unanswered. The incident underscores the dangers faced by journalists in Nigeria, which ranks 112th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index.

Protesters and Journalists Under Threat

Abdulqudus Ogundapo, another journalist caught in the gunfire, expressed fear for his safety. “My first reaction was, ‘let me just be safe,'” Ogundapo recalled, describing his quick escape from the scene.

Violence against journalists in Nigeria is not uncommon. The country has a troubling record of attacks on the press, with at least 31 incidents reported since the current wave of protests began.

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has documented these cases, noting that security officials appear to be deliberately targeting journalists rather than protecting them.

Rising Tensions and Conflicting Reports

The Nigerian police, however, have downplayed their role in the violence. They reported that seven individuals have died during the protests, denying that any deaths resulted from police actions.

Amnesty International, however, claims that at least nine protesters were killed by security forces.

Adding to the confusion, a police officer previously declared dead was later found to be alive. The police have called for an end to the protests, which were originally planned to continue for ten days.

As Nigeria grapples with these significant socio-economic challenges, the government’s response to the protests and the treatment of journalists will continue to draw scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.

The situation remains tense, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency and accountability from their leaders.