- Police Fire Teargas At Sowore, Protesters Near Eagle Square
-
Omoyele Sowore was reportedly affected during the incident.
-
Protesters demanded action on insecurity and abducted schoolchildren.
Armed police officers on Friday fired teargas at protesters marching towards Eagle Square in Abuja to demand urgent action on rising insecurity, the release of abducted schoolchildren and improved governance.
The protest began at the Berger Bus Stop and moved towards the Federal Secretariat, where demonstrators planned to submit their demands to the Federal Government.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Panic as Flood Sweeps Man Away After Heavy Rainfall in Delta
- Boko Haram Releases 416 Abducted Women, Children In Borno
- MTN Boss Rejects Claims of Expensive Data in Nigeria
EKO HOT BLOG reports that however, the procession was disrupted as security operatives stationed around Eagle Square fired teargas canisters at the protesters as they approached the area.
According to reports, human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was among those affected during the incident.
Sowore was reportedly hit by teargas fired at close range and was said to have experienced breathing difficulties after inhaling the fumes.
Fellow protesters quickly moved him away from the scene and provided assistance while efforts were made to stabilise him.
Witnesses said security operatives later fired another round of teargas while Sowore was receiving attention, triggering panic among protesters and passersby in the area.
Despite the disruption, the demonstrators later regrouped and continued with the protest march.
The protesters insisted they would not be intimidated by what they described as harassment and attempts to suppress their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, Sowore said Nigerians must unite to free themselves from what he described as the shackles of oppression and poor governance.
He maintained that the protest was aimed at drawing attention to worsening insecurity across the country and the continued abduction of schoolchildren and other citizens.
The demonstrators called on the Federal Government to take decisive measures to address security challenges and secure the release of those still being held captive by kidnappers and criminal groups.
They also demanded greater accountability from public officials and improved governance to address the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
Omoyele Sowore was reportedly affected during the incident.
The protest continued under heightened security as participants vowed to sustain pressure on the authorities until their demands are addressed.
FURTHER READING
- Fresh Controversy Erupts In Trial Of 36 Soldiers Over Coup Plot
- Police Nab ‘Aza Woman’ for Alleged Fake School Abduction Report
- Man Jailed for Fatal Stabbing of Friend in London Debt Dispute
