Police fired teargas at protesters during a June 12 demonstration in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, disrupting a march organised to draw attention to insecurity, governance concerns and the plight of abducted schoolchildren.
The protesters had gathered at Berger Bus Stop and were marching towards the Federal Secretariat and Eagle Square, where they intended to present their demands to the government.
Witnesses said security personnel stationed near Eagle Square fired teargas canisters as the demonstrators approached the area, causing protesters to scatter.
Videos shared on social media and seen by Truthlive news media appeared to show confusion at the scene as protesters and passers-by sought cover following the dispersal of the crowd.
According to participants, another round of teargas was fired shortly afterwards, further disrupting the gathering and causing panic in the area.
Despite the incident, protesters later regrouped and continued their march, insisting that they would not be deterred from expressing their grievances.
The demonstration formed part of activities marking June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, which commemorates the country’s democratic struggle and the annulled 1993 presidential election widely regarded as one of the fairest in the nation’s history.
Addressing journalists after the incident, Human rights activist and protest leader, Omoyele Sowore, was among those affected, said Nigerians should continue to demand accountability and better governance.
The protesters called for stronger action to address insecurity, secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and improve living conditions across the country.
The Nigeria Police Force had not immediately issued a statement on the incident at the time of publication.
