NIGERIA’S leader called for an end to mass protests over economic hardship today, saying they had turned violent and were driven by “a few with a political agenda.”

The protests, which began on Thursday, have been accompanied by reports of looting and vandalism, as well as accusations that security forces have used excessive force. 

Amnesty International has reported the deaths of nine protesters in clashes with police, while another four were killed by a bomb. Nigerian police denied the Amnesty report.