NIGERIA BLEEDS @ 60

This past week has been a black, bloody, distraught week for Nigerians. Lives and properties were lost, many were injured as armed security operatives asserted to be from the Nigerian Army, opened fire on peaceful protesters who were only demanding for better governance and an end to police brutality. This actually is a sad reality. It is one that has existed long before now and still defines how bleak the future of the country. I really can not say how true it is that the protesters were the ones that ended up looting both private and government properties and business, I b elieve it is hired political thugs and some other ignoramus are behind the looting. This is really disheartening because most of this private business owners who do not have the companies or business insured has been exposed to debt. I must say conflict and corruption have defined Nigeria so far and if care is not taken, will be the undoing of this country. Once again, question Nigeria's democracy. Should the reward of a peaceful protest, which is a democratic practice be the death of the protesters? This is uncouth and unbecoming of both the federal and state governments. I understand it is an act of civil disobedience for some Nigerians to disobey curfew restrictions set by the Lagos State government, but for that to result in direct gunshots at protesters was way overboard. The lives of citizens should be preserved not destroyed. This act will only worsen the already bad image of Nigeria to the rest of the world. The negative economic effect of this can only be imagined. When one examines the mode of the genocide this week, it raises suspicion as to what the motives of the armed security personnel were and whose orders they carried out. What still baffles me is why were security cameras taken out, lights put off before the killings? Also, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu maintained no one was killed during the shootings and despite live streaming of injured and dead protesters by fellow protesters. Over the years, the Nigerian youths have endured the irregularities of the government but have now decided to stand up for a better Nigeria. The government should know they cannot deny them the right to a peaceful protest. As it stands, Nigerians have lost trust and respect for the current administration. More disturbing is the hashtag 'THERE WAS A COUNTRY' signifying the death of Nigeria. Many are not proud of the country anymore and have in a way given up on the country especially after discovering the hidden palliatives in most of the state in the country. The question now is can't they afford to buy those stuff they kept in their custody? Greediness is another battle we have to fight against. The trade-off here is the development of a nation with so much potential, we risk losing our greatest asset- The Nigerians to other counties. I believe there is still a chance to rectify all of this, but justice must prevail. The country has failed thye people over the years and all they are demanding is better governance. By: Ibukunola Awosanya