Nigerian police have fired live bullets and tear gas to try and disperse thousands of protesters in the northern city of Kano rallying against the rising cost of living.
Many businesses across the country have closed as demonstrators in major cities chant slogans such as: “We are hungry.”
In Kano, which has seen the largest crowds so far, the gunshots were fired after protesters set alight tires to make a bonfire in front of the state governor’s house. Four wounded people have been taken to hospital.
The protests have been organized via social media and inspired by the recent success protesters in Kenya who forced the government to scrap plans to increase taxes.
Officers have also sprayed hot water on the crowds in Kano, but they remain on the streets.
Many are angered by President Tinubu’s removal of a subsidy on fuel —- announced with immediate effect during his inauguration speech in May 2023.
It was aimed at cutting government expenditure but sent pump prices soaring with a ripple effect on other goods.
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