Nigeria Police Force operatives on Monday used tear gas to disperse protesters in the Maitama area of Abuja.
The protesters, who had assembled peacefully to voice their concerns, were thrown into chaos as the tear gas caused many to flee in search of safety.
This protest is part of a nationwide demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and various civil society groups, aimed at highlighting multiple national issues.
Among the primary concerns raised by the organizers are the alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act, the growing economic challenges in the country, and what they referred to as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
The protesters carried signs with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe” while marching through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was also present at the protest to show his support for the movement.
In a statement released last Friday, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was aimed at resisting what he termed the “increasing authoritarianism” of the current administration and to demand urgent relief for Nigerians battling inflation and insecurity.
As of the time of filing this report, there were no reports of injuries or arrests, but the atmosphere remains tense.
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