Tuesday, October 1, 2024 was meant to be a day of peaceful protest, a collective cry for change against poverty, hardship, and bad governance. But as hundreds gathered in the Jabi and Utako areas, Nigerian police unleashed a brutal crackdown, firing teargas and sending protesters fleeing for safety.
A NATION IN CRISIS
Nigeria is on its knees, crippled by skyrocketing food prices and fuel costs. A bag of rice now costs a staggering N100,000, while fuel prices have surpassed N1,000. The streets are filled with the desperate and disillusioned, seeking a glimmer of hope.
THE PROTESTERS’ PLEA
Demonstrators carried banners emblazoned with powerful messages: “We are hungry” and “Enough is Enough – Revolution Now.” Their voices echoed through the streets, demanding an end to economic hardship and poor leadership.
“A bag of rice costs N100,000, and fuel is over N1,000. Is this what we deserve?” one protester cried out. “The government seeks to repress, suppress, and oppress us, but our voices will not be silenced.”
POLICE BRUTALITY
As tensions escalated, police descended upon the protesters, firing teargas and scattering the crowds. Eyewitnesses reported seeing injured protesters, their cries for help lost amidst the chaos.
A MOVEMENT UNBROKEN
Despite the violence, the #FearlessInOctober protests remain unbroken. Nigerians from all walks of life have joined forces, demanding change and refusing to be silenced.
“We won’t be intimidated,” a protester vowed. “We’ll keep fighting for a better Nigeria, no matter the cost.”
LABOUR PARTY’S PETER OBI SPEAKS OUT
Peter Obi, Labour Party leader, has added his voice to the chorus, calling for independence from state capture and urging collective action for a new Nigeria.
AS THE DUST SETTLES
The aftermath of the crackdown leaves many questions unanswered. How many were injured? How many arrested? But one thing is certain – the struggle for a better Nigeria will continue, unrelenting and fearless.
Vanguard.
