Violent incidents erupted on the morning of Tuesday, October 20 in Nigeria, on the sidelines of youth protests against power, especially in Lagos.

A 24-hour curfew has been imposed in the country's economic capital. 

"The peaceful demonstrations have degenerated into a monster which threatens the well-being of our society" explained the governor of the State of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Twitter, specifying that the curfew would begin at 4 p.m. (local time) this Tuesday. 

I, therefore, hereby imposes a 24-hour curfew on all parts of the State as from 4pm today, 20th October, 2020.

Nobody, except essential service providers and first responders must be found on the streets.

- Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 20, 2020

This protest, which arose in early October on Nigerian social networks, to denounce police violence, has gradually spread to demands against the central power and bad governance. 

"No sign of the peaceful movement"

Lagos, populated by 20 million inhabitants, was totally paralyzed as of Tuesday morning, its main roads blocked, and schools closed by the authorities the day before.

Several roadblocks were erected on the axes connecting the islands of Lagos to the rest of the city by bands of very angry young people who prevented cars from passing, noted an AFP journalist.

No sign of the peaceful movement, which began eleven days ago in the large cities of the south of the country, was brandished at these roadblocks. 

In the center of the city, a police station was set on fire in the morning in Orile Iganmu, according to several demonstrators joined by AFP, who blame the blaze on thugs.

Several shots were fired, according to these sources. 

Machete attacks on protesters

Clashes also broke out in the federal capital Abuja, where the police have been deployed, an AFP journalist noted.

Several houses were set on fire, thick black smoke rose above the city. 

—Godgift Ferguson Ekerete (aged 24)


—Tony Oruama (aged 21)


—Harry Ataria (aged 26)


—On 3 July 2008 these 3 young men were brought to Mile 1 Police Station in Port Harcourt.


–All three were dead by the end of the day.

#EndSARS pic.twitter.com/0BOQbMWrm1

- Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) October 19, 2020

The day before, three people had died and several cars had been set on fire, according to the city's police spokesman to AFP, Mariam Yusuf. 

Dozens of men armed with machetes and knives attacked the demonstrators, according to Amnesty International and witnesses.

“The protest is not a crime and the Nigerian authorities must protect the demonstrators and all Nigerians,” tweeted the international NGO, which fears that these “thugs” are “sponsored”.

—Thugs and sponsored hoodlums brandishing cutlass and knives have been attacking peaceful protesters across Nigeria.


—Death and severe injuries were recorded.


—Protest is not a crime and Nigerian authorities must protect protesters and all Nigerians.

#EndSARS #EndSARS

- Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) October 20, 2020

Since the start of the dispute, at least 18 people, including two police officers, have died, according to an AFP count established using figures from Amnesty International and the police.

So far, most of the marches had been peaceful, with young people marching, singing, dancing, and holding up signs.

With AFP

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