The Economic Community of West African States Commission has expressed concern over the ongoing protests in Nigeria, lamenting reports of violence, fatalities, and property destruction.

It, therefore, urged protesters to heed the call for dialogue.

The commission extended condolences to the families of those who have died and expressed sympathy with the Nigerian government and its people over the losses incurred.

In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, ECOWAS emphasised the right of citizens to peaceful protests as enshrined in the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

“The ECOWAS Commission has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate death of some protesters as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties.

“The commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathizes with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.

“The ECOWAS Commission recognises the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as guaranteed by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” the statement read in part.

The commission also welcomed the recent State of the Nation address by President Bola Tinubu on August 4, 2024.

ECOWAS urged protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue to address grievances and ensure peace and security in Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.

“The Commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of August 4, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large,” it added.

The hunger protests in Nigeria took a violent turn, resulting in numerous deaths, the burning of properties, and a significant disruption of business activities.

Several major highways were blocked, exacerbating the situation.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which have gained momentum in major cities such as Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, were marked by escalating violence.

In some instances, security officials’ actions were the catalyst for the violence, while in other cases, it has been driven by overzealous protesters or counter-protesters.

In a national broadcast on Sunday, Tinubu pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.