In a dramatic turn of events, police operatives in Abuja resorted to tear gas on Monday to disperse a peaceful protest in the city’s Maitama district. The peaceful demonstration, which began earlier in the day, quickly turned chaotic as the cloud of tear gas sent protesters fleeing in all directions for safety.
The protest, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement along with various civil society groups, was part of a nationwide outcry against a range of pressing national issues. The demonstrators had gathered to voice their concerns over the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, the growing economic hardship, and what they termed a “state of emergency” in Rivers State. Holding placards with powerful messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” the protesters marched through the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, demanding change.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was among the key figures present at the protest, standing in solidarity with the demonstrators. Speaking out on behalf of the movement, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized that the demonstration was a direct response to what they believe is an increasing authoritarianism under the current administration. He called for urgent intervention to address the dire inflation and security issues plaguing the nation.
Despite the violent crackdown by security forces, no reports of injuries or arrests have surfaced at the time of writing. However, the atmosphere remains tense as protesters continue to rally for justice and reform in Nigeria.
The dramatic scenes in Abuja have sparked widespread attention across the country, amplifying the voices of those demanding accountability and change from the government.
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