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Nigeria Continues to Face Unrest

Earlier this month, Nigerians took to the streets to draw attention to police brutality. At first, protestors wanted the government to dissolve the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARs) unit, which has been accused of committing human rights violations. As the demonstrations continued to grow, security forces began to use lethal force against the protesters. This has led to a desire for expanded reforms in society, addressing many long-standing problems that plague Nigeria.


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  • Writing: Describe why demonstrators are so unhappy. What can the Nigerian government do to address their concerns?
  • Debate: The U.S. and the international community should intervene to help promote stability within Nigeria.
  • Poll: Should protesters in Nigeria use violence to achieve their goals?
  • Short Answer: What would be the implications if the unrest spread to neighboring countries?

Current events quiz:

1) All the following are true EXCEPT:

a. A majority of the population in Nigeria is Muslim
b. A majority of the population in Nigeria lives below the poverty line
c. Nigeria has a population that exceeds 250 million
d. Nigeria has literacy rate that exceeds 60%

2) All the following describe why Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest EXCEPT:

a. Belief that the government is undemocratic
b. The killing of a Nigerian diplomat
c. Belief that the government is corrupt
d. High unemployment

3) What was the catalyst for the protests?

a. A desire to end police violence
b. A desire to expand government programs
c. A desire to lower unemployment
d. A desire to hold new elections

4) Nigeria has experienced the largest protests in a generation. (T/F)

5) A majority of the population in Nigeria lives above the poverty line. (T/F)

6) More than a quarter of the population is currently unemployed. (T/F)


1) C

2) B

3) A

4) True

5) False

6) True



Featured Image Credit: Kaizenify / WMrapids

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