A peaceful demonstration in Abuja turned chaotic on Monday morning after police officers fired tear gas at protesters gathered in the Maitama district of the Federal Capital Territory.
The protest was part of a coordinated nationwide campaign led by the Take-It-Back Movement and supported by several civil society organisations. The group aimed to spotlight issues such as the alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act, economic challenges, and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Holding placards with slogans like “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” protesters marched through the city streets before police operatives intervened with tear gas, causing panic and forcing many to flee for safety.
Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was present at the scene, standing in solidarity with the movement.
In a statement issued the previous Friday, Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, outlined the group’s objectives. He stated, “The protest is aimed at resisting what he termed the ‘increasing authoritarianism’ of the current administration and to demand urgent relief for Nigerians battling inflation and insecurity.”
Despite the disruption, organisers say the message has been delivered loud and clear: citizens are demanding accountability and meaningful action from their leaders.
