In a disturbing escalation of unrest, Nigerian security forces have resorted to firing bullets and teargas at protesters and journalists during ongoing demonstrations in the capital, Abuja. The protests, which began earlier in the week, are primarily a response to the country’s severe economic crisis and widespread allegations of governmental mismanagement and corruption.
On Saturday, August 5 2024, reports emerged that at least 50 journalists were arrested amid the chaos, as nearly 700 protesters have been detained nationwide since the unrest commenced. The situation has drawn significant attention, not only due to the protests themselves but also because of the alarming treatment of members of the press who are simply trying to cover the events.
Witnesses present at the demonstrations described a tense atmosphere in which police officers were seen deploying teargas to disperse crowds at the Nigerian National Stadium, where many protesters had gathered. The situation escalated when operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), often recognized by their hooded appearance, intervened aggressively. According to multiple journalists and protestors, these operatives were reported to have fired gunshots at journalists who were clearly identified as members of the media.
Abdulkareem Mojeed, a journalist caught in the crossfire, recounted the harrowing experience: “It was shocking because they saw us as journalists, and we were telling them we were journalists.” His vehicle was found with multiple bullet holes, emphasizing the reckless disregard for press safety in the midst of the unfolding violence. Other journalists reported that they were positioned away from the protests, wearing identifiable press vests, yet still became targets.
The Nigerian police have stated that seven individuals have died during the protests, asserting that none were killed by security forces. However, organizations like Amnesty International have reported at least nine fatalities linked to the actions of security personnel, raising serious concerns about the use of excessive force. A police officer initially reported deceased was later said to have “miraculously survived,” which the police spokesperson described in a statement that also called for an end to the protests.
The demonstrations have been fueled by public outrage over the worst cost-of-living crisis Nigeria has seen in a generation, alongside frustrations tied to government corruption. Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, Nigeria remains home to a significant number of impoverished and hungry citizens. The disparity between the wealth of public officials and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians has catalyzed the protests, which have drawn inspiration from similar movements in other countries, notably Kenya.
As the protests entered their third day, the atmosphere in Abuja remained charged. Eyewitness accounts indicate that police and security forces responded with increasing violence, including the use of teargas and live ammunition. The presence of hooded operatives from the DSS added a layer of intimidation, which many protesters and journalists found alarming.
The treatment of journalists during these protests is particularly concerning, as Nigeria ranks 112th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, according to Reporters Without Borders. The ongoing violence against the press highlights a pattern of targeting media personnel during times of civil unrest, which has been a recurrent issue in Nigeria, especially since the deadly protests against police brutality in 2020.
Despite the dangers, journalists continue to endeavor to report on the situation. Abdulqudus Ogundapo, another journalist caught in the violence, expressed fear for his safety but acknowledged the importance of documenting the events: “My first reaction was, ‘Let me just be safe,’” he said, highlighting the difficult choices faced by those in the media during such tumultuous times.
As the protests unfold, the actions of security forces and the government’s response are under scrutiny. Civil society organizations and human rights advocates are calling for accountability and protection for both protesters and journalists, urging the Nigerian government to respect the rights of citizens to assemble peacefully and express their grievances without fear of violence or repression. The current climate in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for reform and a renewed commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights in the face of growing discontent.
