As demonstrators took to the streets on Monday to demand urgent government action on the worsening economic conditions, rising repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, Nigeria Police Force officers used tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters in the Maitama area of Abuja.
In conjunction with the celebrations of National Police Day that were held at Eagle Square, the protest was part of a nationwide demonstration that was organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with a number of civil society organizations. Authorities had erected a blockade around the Three Arms Zone as part of the official event's security measures, where high-ranking Nigerian police officers were expected to attend the ceremony to recognize their service.
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Protesters — including human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore — carried placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” aimed at drawing attention to what the organizers described as a growing wave of authoritarianism under the current administration.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, who led the mobilisation, outlined the key issues fueling the protest. Rising inflation, national uncertainty, and what he referred to as a "state of emergency" in Rivers State were among these. Although the protest began peacefully, it descended into chaos when police operatives deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd.
Protesters were seen fleeing the area, with tensions running high.
As of press time, there were no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly complex — one of the protesters’ intended destinations — remained largely deserted due to the ongoing legislative recess. On April 29, lawmakers are expected to meet again. Despite the disruption, protest leaders insisted that the demonstration was both necessary and timely, stressing the urgent need for the government to take action to address rising economic hardship, insecurity, and what they perceived as attempts to silence dissent.
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