Armed police officers on Friday fired teargas at protesters marching towards Eagle Square in Abuja during a Democracy Day demonstration against rising insecurity, poor governance, and the continued abduction of schoolchildren across the country.
The protesters, led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, had gathered at Berger Bus Stop before embarking on a peaceful march towards the Federal Secretariat, where they intended to submit their demands to government authorities.
However, the demonstration was disrupted as security operatives stationed around Eagle Square fired teargas canisters at the crowd as it approached the area, forcing protesters to scatter.
Sowore was among those affected after he was reportedly hit by teargas at close range. Witnesses said the activist inhaled the fumes and experienced breathing difficulties, prompting fellow demonstrators to quickly move him away from the scene and provide assistance.
Tensions escalated further when security personnel allegedly fired another round of teargas while Sowore was receiving attention, causing panic and confusion among protesters and commuters in the vicinity.
Despite the disruption, demonstrators later regrouped and resumed their march, insisting they would not be intimidated or prevented from exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Addressing journalists after the incident, Sowore said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to the country’s worsening insecurity, governance challenges, and the plight of abducted schoolchildren.
He maintained that Nigerians must be liberated from what he described as the shackles of oppression and urged citizens to continue demanding accountability from those in positions of authority.
As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed reports of arrests or serious injuries, while security operatives remained deployed in the area to monitor the situation.
