Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian government’s crackdown on peaceful protests that erupted on October 1, 2024, as citizens took to the streets to demonstrate against economic hardship and corruption.

In a statement released on their verified Facebook page, the human rights organization urged Nigerian authorities to cease their “repressive approach” and engage constructively with critics as the country grapples with its worst economic crisis in 30 years.

The protests, organized under the hashtag #FearlessOctober1, saw citizens gathering in major cities including Abuja and Kano. Demonstrators voiced frustration over the deepening economic turmoil, inflation, and what many perceive as entrenched corruption within the government. However, the protests were met with significant resistance from security forces.

According to reports, several activists were arrested in Kano on the eve of the planned protests. In Abuja, protesters encountered a heavy-handed response, with police reportedly using force to disperse the crowds. Amnesty International expressed alarm at the violent crackdown, noting that the Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect the right to peaceful assembly.

The Nigerian authorities must end their repressive approach to peaceful protests and listen to critics,” Amnesty International’s statement read. “As the country faces its worst economic crisis in three decades, addressing the genuine grievances of the people is crucial.”

The protests come as Nigeria’s economic challenges have intensified, with rising inflation, widespread unemployment, and a depreciating currency contributing to growing unrest. Many Nigerians have seen their living standards erode, and critics of the government have accused it of mismanagement and failing to address the root causes of the crisis.

While the government has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the demonstrations, security forces have maintained a presence in key cities, raising concerns of further confrontations between protesters and authorities.

Amnesty International has long been vocal about human rights issues in Nigeria, including previous crackdowns on social movements such as the #EndSARS protests in 2020. In its latest call, the organization urged the government to refrain from silencing dissent and instead focus on policies that would alleviate the economic suffering faced by millions of Nigerians.