Nigerian leader demands end to protests over hardship which have turned violent

Protests have turned violence in recent days (Olamikan Gbemiga/AP)

Nigeria’s leader has called for an end to mass protests over economic hardship, saying the rallies have turned violent and blaming “a few with a political agenda” for driving them.

The protests, which began on Thursday, have been accompanied by reports of looting and vandalism, as well as accusations that security forces have used excessive force.