ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s leaders on Sunday called for an end to mass protests over economic hardship, saying the demonstrations 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 allegations that security forces have used excessive force. Amnesty International has reported the deaths of nine protesters in clashes with police, while another four were killed by a bomb. The Nigerian police denied the Amnesty report.

“I have heard you loud and clear,” President Bola Tinubu said in his first public comments on the demonstrations. “I understand the pain and frustration driving these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.”

But, he said, “some with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart” would be resisted by the security forces.

The protests reflect frustration over the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation and allegations of misrule and corruption in Africa’s most populous country, a leading oil producer where the huge incomes of public officials contrast with high levels of poverty and hunger.

Tinubu’s aides have said the protests are politically motivated. His election last year was contested by the opposition, after he won with 37% of the vote, the smallest margin for any Nigerian president ever. The election also recorded the lowest voter turnout since 1999, when the country returned to democracy.

The protesters have also been inspired by other youths in Kenya who held demonstrations last month to oppose a planned tax hike.

The Nigerian leader said his government “will not stand idly by” and allow the looting reported in recent days to continue.

“Under the circumstances, I hereby call on protesters and organizers to call off further protests and create space for dialogue,” he said.

The military has also threatened to intervene to stop the violence.

Tinubu defended the bold reforms that were meant to save the government money and support dwindling foreign investment, but whose immediate impact has added to difficulties.

The reforms, including the repeal of decades-old gas subsidies and currency devaluation, have had a knock-on effect on the price of almost everything else because they have been poorly implemented, analysts say.

“The economy is recovering; please do not cut off its oxygen,” Tinubu said.

In a region that has seen rampant military coups due to popular discontent with democratically elected governments, the Nigerian leader warned that the protests could also threaten the country’s democracy.

“Never forward, never backward!” he said.