By Adenike Lawal
Police officers fired tear gas canisters at peaceful protesters in Abuja on Monday, abruptly turning a nationwide demonstration into scenes of chaos and confusion.
The protesters, gathered in the Maitama area of the capital, had taken to the streets to demand urgent government action on the country’s worsening economic crisis, growing insecurity, and what they describe as increasing repression of free speech under the guise of enforcing the Cybercrime Act.
Organized by the Take It Back Movement alongside several civil society groups, the protest unfolded on the same day as the National Police Day celebrations at Eagle Square, where senior officers were being honoured for their service.
Anticipating large gatherings, authorities cordoned off the Three Arms Zone to secure the event venue.
However, determined activists including human rights campaigner and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore pressed on with the march, wielding placards that read “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, listed soaring inflation, rampant insecurity, and what he described as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State as urgent issues fueling public outrage.
What began as a peaceful demonstration descended into turmoil when police resorted to tear gas to scatter the crowd.
Protesters fled in panic, coughing and shielding their faces from the choking fumes. As of press time, there were no official reports of injuries or arrests.
Interestingly, the National Assembly complex, one of the planned destinations for the marchers, remained deserted with lawmakers currently on recess until April 29.
Undeterred by the police crackdown, protest leaders vowed to continue pushing for sweeping reforms.
They insist the protests are a critical call to action, urging the government to address the country’s spiralling economic hardships and end what they describe as a growing intolerance for dissent.
