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.

“I have heard you loud and clear,” President Bola Tinubu said in his first public remarks on the demonstrations. “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.”

But, he said, “a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart” would be resisted by security forces.

Protesters are complaining about the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, alongside allegations of misgovernment and corruption in Africa’s most populous country — a top oil producer where public officials’ huge earnings contrast with high poverty.

President Tinubu’s aides have said the protests are politically motivated. His election last year was disputed by the opposition after he won with 37 per cent of the vote, the smallest margin of any Nigerian president ever. 

The protesters appear to have also been inspired by demonstrations in Kenya and Uganda last month over the cost of living.

At least 50 protesters were arrested on Saturday during the protests in Abuja, Amnesty International’s Nigeria office said.

Nearly 700 people have been arrested across the country, while nine officers have been injured during the protests, now in their third day, the Nigerian police said.

At the Nigerian national stadium, where dozens of protesters had gathered, police officers were seen firing tear gas to disperse the demonstrations.