Days of widespread demonstrations in Africa’s most populous nation have left at least 13 people dead, Amnesty International says.Nigerian police said they had arrested nearly 700 people in days of nationwide protests against the high cost of living.
On Saturday, police said they fired rubber bullet and teargas at protesters in the capital city, Abuja.
Amnesty International said 50 journalists were among the 681 people arrested over the three days of demonstrations.
The people who have been arrested are being accused by the police of “armed robbery, arson, mischief,” and damaging property.
Amnesty has accused police of using live ammunitionImage: Sunday Alamba/AP/picture alliance
Damilare Adenola, leader of the Take It Back group organizing protests in Abuja, told the AFP news agency that police fired on protesters on Saturday, who “were gathered peacefully.”
“We are going to continue with the demonstrations,” he added.
They demand that the government reduce fuel prices and address Nigeria’s most severe economic crisis, with inflation reaching a 28-year high of 34%.
Police blamed of violent crackdown
Amnesty International said security forces had killed 13 protesters since Thursday, blaming them for using live rounds.
