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Hunger, Anger And Tears: The Faces Of Nigeria’s Protests
Nigeria, a nation of over 216 million people, is grappling with a growing crisis – hunger. The effects of economic hardship, inflation, and food scarcity have led to widespread protests across the nation. In this periscope, we delve into the stories of those affected, the root causes of the crisis, and the government’s response.
Diaspora Watch spoke with some protesters to know why they are on the streets. According to Mrs. Adebayo, a mother of three from Lagos said she hasn’t eaten in days, and her children cry every night because they’re hungry. She’s protesting because she wants the government to know they’re suffering. “I can’t afford to feed my family. I’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work. I’m here today because I want the government to know we’re starving.”
Mallam Abdullahi, a farmer from Kano said he’s seen his crops destroyed by herders, and he can’t make ends meet. He’s protesting because he wants the government to address the conflict between farmers and herders.
“I’ve lost everything. My crops, my livelihood. I’m here today because I want the government to know we’re suffering.”
Nigeria’s economic woes began with the COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged the global economy. The country’s over-reliance on oil exports made it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. As prices plummeted, Nigeria’s revenue dwindled, leading to a recession.
The food inflation rate has soared to 24.8% as of July 2024, the highest in 18 years, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The number of hungry people has increased to 21.7 million, affecting 1 in 9 Nigerians, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The poverty rate has risen to 42.3%, with 91.4 million people living below the poverty line, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The unemployment rate has also increased to 35.1%, the highest in 15 years, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The government has responded with promises of relief measures, including food distribution and economic stimulus packages. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and poorly implemented. The government has budgeted N750 billion, approximately $1.8 billion USD, for social investment programs in 2024, and 3.5 million people are expected to benefit from the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) in 2024, according to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The hunger protests in Nigeria are a cry for change. Citizens demand action from their government to address the growing crisis. As the situation worsens, the government must listen and act decisively to avoid further unrest.
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Two students were killed and nine others injured after a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, police said.
Authorities have detained a person of interest in his 20s, who is now cooperating with investigators.
The attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) at the Holley Engineering Building on the eastern end of the university campus.
Police said the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all those affected, including the deceased, were students.
In a statement on Sunday, Paxson said parts of the campus remained restricted as police continued investigations.
She added that around 2,000 students were relocated to safe locations overnight and expressed gratitude to local residents who opened their homes to students.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said seven of the injured students were in stable condition, one was critical, and another had been discharged.
The mayor, who visited victims and their families in hospital, described their courage as “overwhelming” and confirmed that the shelter-in-place order issued earlier had been lifted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the suspect was detained at a hotel in Coventry early Sunday morning based on a lead from Providence Police.
Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed that officers were no longer searching for additional suspects and were working closely with prosecutors to collect evidence.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, expressed sympathy for the families of the two deceased students and wished a speedy recovery for the nine injured.
The shooting brings the number of mass shootings in the United States in 2025 to 389, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as incidents with four or more victims killed or injured, not including the attacker.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, while a vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening to support the Brown University community.
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
A mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Saturday left 15 people dead, including a child aged 10, during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities are treating the incident as a terror attack.
Police confirmed the shooters were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son.
The father died at the scene, while the son remains in critical condition.
The 50-year-old was a licensed firearms holder; six guns and two improvised devices were recovered from the site.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack “an act of pure evil”, saying it deliberately targeted the Jewish community, and promised full resources to support the investigation and combat antisemitism.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said quick response, informed by last year’s Bondi stabbing, helped save lives.
328 officers have been deployed to protect Sydney’s Jewish community, while two properties in western Sydney were searched overnight.
Among the victims was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with some saying the gunfire felt like it lasted “an eternity.”
Authorities continue to investigate the attack as Australians reel from the tragedy.
Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
President Donald Trump has pledged a “very serious retaliation” after an ambush in central Syria on Saturday, killing two U.S. service members and one American civilian interpreter, an attack the United States blames on the Islamic State (ISIS) group.
In a statement and social‑media post, Trump described the assault near Palmyra—a region still volatile and not fully controlled by the Syrian government—as “an ISIS attack against the U.S. and Syria.”
He mourned the three victims as “great American patriots” and confirmed that three other U.S. soldiers wounded in the attack are recovering.
Speaking from the White House before departing for a public event, the president said he expected a firm U.S. response, noting that there will be “very serious retaliation” against ISIS and any group that targets American forces.
Trump noted that Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, whose government has been cooperating with U.S. forces in counter‑terrorism operations, was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the incident.
The ambush occurred as U.S. troops were engaged in a counter‑terrorism mission alongside Syrian partners; the suspected attacker was killed by coalition forces, U.S. Central Command said.
The identities and units of the deceased are being withheld pending family notification.
Defense officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echoed Trump’s stance, issuing stark warnings that the U.S. will pursue individuals or groups that target Americans.
The U.S. maintains a force of around 900 troops in Syria as part of ongoing operations against ISIS remnants, despite the group’s loss of territorial control years earlier.
The attack is the first fatal incident involving U.S. personnel in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting persistent security challenges and raising questions about the future scope of U.S. military engagement in the region.
Buhari, Power and the Burden of Integrity, by Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
Pastor Jerry Eze Defends Miracles At UK Conference Amidst Criticism And Controversy
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
