On August 10, 2024, Nigeria witnessed the culmination of a 10-day nationwide protest movement against economic hardship and government policies. The protests, which began on August 1, reached their peak with a planned "one-million-man march" across the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Key Developments:

1. One-Million-Man Hunger Protest:

   - Protesters in Abuja commenced their march early Saturday morning.

   - Demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans such as "we are hungry" and "End hunger."

   - The protest aimed to highlight the high cost of living and demand changes in government policies.

2. Protest Locations and Strategies:

   - In Abuja, protesters strategically avoided heavily policed areas like the MKO Abiola National Stadium and Eagle Square.

   - Demonstrations were reported in Apo and Lokogoma districts, starting as early as 7 AM.

   - Protesters called for an end to hunger and the reversal of fuel subsidy removal.

3. Police Response and Confrontations:

   - In the Galadimawa area of Abuja, police used teargas and live ammunition to disperse protesters.

   - The confrontation occurred around 9:30am, about three hours after the protest began.

   - No casualties were reported, but protesters were forced to flee for safety.

4. Arrests and Tensions:

   - In Ondo State, several protesters, including Kunle Ajayi Wizeman, the gubernatorial candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), were arrested.

   - Human rights activist and lawyer Tope Temokun condemned the arrests, describing them as unnecessary and deceitful.

   - Temokun called on the Ondo State Governor to order the unconditional release of those arrested.

5. National Context:

   - The protests are a response to President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies.

   - Earlier in the week, President Tinubu addressed the nation, calling for an end to the protests, but many remained unsatisfied with his speech.

   - Amnesty International reported that over 20 people were killed across the country during the first days of demonstrations.

6. Regional Variations:

   - In Kano, instead of protests, special prayer sessions and Qur'anic recitations against hardship and hunger were held at various locations across the state.

7. Ongoing Concerns:

   - Protesters continue to demand drastic solutions to the prevailing economic hardship.

   - There are fears of potential violence and further clashes with security forces.

   - The right to peaceful protest remains a contentious issue, with activists asserting it as a constitutional right.

Conclusion:

As the planned 10-day protest period comes to an end, tensions remain high across Nigeria. The government faces increasing pressure to address economic concerns, particularly regarding the cost of living and fuel prices. The use of force by police and the arrests of protesters have raised concerns about the state's response to civil dissent.