Tension as police disperse peaceful protesters with tear gas in Abuja

The Nigerian Police Force on Monday forcefully dispersed protesters with tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, disrupting a peaceful demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups.

The protesters had assembled to voice their concerns over a range of national issues, including the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, worsening economic conditions, and what they termed a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.

Eyewitnesses say the scene quickly descended into chaos as tear gas canisters were fired, sending demonstrators fleeing in panic.

Despite the disruption, organizers insist the protest was lawful and meant to bring attention to urgent governance and human rights concerns affecting Nigerians nationwide.

The demonstrators carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” as they marched through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was also present at the protest ground to show solidarity with 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.