Nigerians protesting against bad governance and hunger have been met with a general downtime in internet services, with many believing it to be a deliberate attempt to gag them.
Subscribers of MTN, 9Mobile, and Glo have been the worst hit, with many unable to access the internet or post pictures and videos of the ongoing protests on social media.
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“I believe it is deliberate,” said Gabriel Owoade, a protester at Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos. “This goes to show the kind of country we live in. This is a deliberate attempt to gag protesters.”
Grace Audu, an Abuja resident, said she was unable to access the internet, while Suzan, a Rivers State resident, said 9Mobile had “chosen to disappoint” her.
Timileyin Akinmoyeje, an FIJ reporter, said internet services had been fluctuating in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The downtime has prevented many from sharing information and updates about the protests, sparking concerns about censorship and internet freedom.
“It’s tiring,” said Gabriel Hashimi, a Kaduna State-based MTN and Glo subscriber. “I have been turning my data off and on since morning. I initially thought it was only me. Then I later realised even my neighbours were having the same issue.”
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