On Friday, organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria held a sombre demonstration in Lagos to mourn those who lost their lives during the nationwide protests over the economic crisis under President Bola Tinubu’s watch.
The protesters also called for the dismissal of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of supervising “senseless killings of protesters.”
In Lagos, the procession on Friday featured banners bearing the images of individuals killed by the Nigerian police amid demonstrations against economic hardship.
The protesters carried a large banner reading: “Nigerians Mourn. Sack IGP for Senseless Killings of Protesters.”
During the march, protesters chanted in Yoruba: “We ought to be angry. We ought to be angry. Garri is expensive. Rice is expensive. The masses are hungry; we ought to be angry.”
The spokesperson for the Nigerian police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, did not answer calls seeking comment regarding the demands for Mr Egbetokun’s removal over the killing of protesters.
However, the Nigerian police have consistently denied allegations of using live ammunition during the protests despite video evidence suggesting otherwise.
Amnesty International reported that over 23 protesters have been killed by security forces since the demonstrations began on 1 August.
“The violent crackdown on protesters against hunger nationwide, coupled with attacks on civil society organisations, reflects President Bola Tinubu’s blatant disregard for human rights and a determined effort to stifle dissent,” the human rights organisation said in a statement on Friday.
