A peaceful protest against insecurity and kidnappings in Abuja turned chaotic after police fired teargas at demonstrators, including activist Omoyele Sowore, as they marched toward Eagle Square.
A protest aimed at drawing attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity took a dramatic turn on Friday when armed policemen fired teargas at demonstrators marching toward Eagle Square in Abuja.
According to SaharaReporters, the protesters had gathered at the popular Berger Bus Stop and were heading toward the Federal Secretariat, where they intended to submit demands to government authorities.
The demonstration focused on growing insecurity across the country, the release of abducted schoolchildren and calls for improved governance.
However, as the crowd approached the Eagle Square area, security operatives reportedly moved in and fired teargas canisters at close range, disrupting the peaceful procession.
Among those affected was human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who was leading the protest.
Witnesses said Sowore inhaled a significant amount of teargas after being hit at close range. The activist reportedly experienced breathing difficulties and had to be assisted by fellow protesters, who quickly moved him away from the immediate area to receive attention.
The situation became even more chaotic when another round of teargas was reportedly fired while Sowore was being attended to.
The development triggered panic among protesters and passersby, forcing many to scatter temporarily as the fumes spread through the area.
Despite the disruption, the demonstrators refused to abandon their mission.
After regrouping, they resumed their march and insisted they would not be intimidated or silenced by what they described as attempts to suppress their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The incident added another layer of tension to growing public concerns over insecurity, especially following recent cases of school abductions and violent attacks in different parts of the country.
Speaking with journalists after the confrontation, Sowore maintained that citizens must continue to demand accountability and justice from those in authority.
He said Nigerians deserve freedom from oppression and called on citizens to remain resolute in the face of intimidation.
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