#FearlessInOctober: Independence day protest

Tuesday morning marking the 64th independence day celebration, Nigerian police used teargas against hundreds of protesters involved in the #FearlessInOctober demonstration in Abuja, which called attention to poverty, hardship, and poor governance. The police crackdown occurred in the Jabi and Utako areas, causing residents to flee and protesters to seek safety.

These protests are part of a nationwide effort to demand an end to economic struggles, insecurity, and ineffective leadership. Demonstrators displayed banners stating “We are hungry” and “Enough is Enough – Revolution Now,” as many Nigerians face soaring food prices and fuel costs. Currently, a bag of rice costs about N100,000, while fuel prices exceed N1,000.

Witnesses reported injuries among protesters during the police response, though no official casualty figures have been released by organizers. One protester articulated the sentiment: “The Nigerian government aims to repress and suppress us to the point where we fear expressing our rights. Today, we demonstrate that our voices cannot be silenced. The government must acknowledge our suffering and the rising costs of living.”

The #FearlessInOctober protests, which began Tuesday morning, attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, all urging the government to tackle the nation’s economic issues and improve living standards.