Nigerian president calls for end to protests, ‘bloodshed’

ABUJA: Nigeria´s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday called for nationwide protests to cease and for “bloodshed” to end after security forces cracked down on rallies spurred by economic hardship.

Thousands of people began taking to the streets last week to protest government policies and the high cost of living.

In many places the protests have eased since Thursday, but organisers said Tinubu´s speech would not persuade them to leave the streets.

Rights group Amnesty International has accused security forces of killing at least 13 demonstrators in the first day of protests on Thursday, while police say seven people have died and denied responsibility. In a televised address, Tinubu urged the demonstrators “to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue,” his first public comments since the rallies started.

“I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and the frustration that drive these protests,” he said.

“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart,” he warned. “We must stop further bloodshed”.

Tinubu blamed organisers for failing to prevent disorder, and used the speech to defend his record as well as outline measures he said would benefit young Nigerians and the economy.