President Bola Tinubu has told Nigerians protesting against a cost of living crisis that he has “heard” them as he called for the suspension of the demonstrations and an end to “bloodshed”, in his first public comments since protests broke out last week.
In his televised address on Sunday, Tinubu called for an end to violence in several states since the protests started, saying he was always open to dialogue.
Rights group Amnesty International has accused security forces of killing at least 13 protesters, while police say seven people died and deny responsibility.
“My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens,” Tinubu said.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart,” he added
