Police Teargas Protesters at June 12 March in Abuja

A protest march in Abuja, Nigeria, organized to demand urgent government action on insecurity, the release of abducted schoolchildren, and better governance, was forcefully dispersed by security operatives yesterday. The demonstration was halted when police fired teargas at demonstrators as they neared Eagle Square.

The procession began at Berger Bus Stop in Wuse and was heading towards the Federal Secretariat to submit their demands to the federal government. However, armed police intercepted the protesters near Eagle Square. Eyewitness accounts confirm that teargas canisters were deployed into the advancing crowd, causing panic and forcing participants to scatter temporarily.

Human rights activist and protest leader Omoyele Sowore was reportedly affected by the chemical irritants, inhaling fumes and experiencing breathing difficulties. Fellow protesters assisted him away from the scene. A second deployment of teargas occurred while he was receiving attention, escalating the tension and confusion.

Despite the disruption, the demonstrators later regrouped and continued their march. They expressed determination not to be deterred by the actions of security operatives, reaffirming their focus on ending insecurity, securing the release of abducted schoolchildren, and improving governance standards. Sowore stated that Nigerians must be freed from oppressive conditions and asserted citizens' right to peaceful protest and demand accountability from leaders.

A similar protest occurred the previous day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where demonstrators also voiced concerns about hardship and insecurity in the country.

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Nigerians must be freed from what he described as oppressive conditions, insisting that citizens have the right to peaceful protest and accountability from those in power.