Police Teargas Sowore, Protesters Demanding End to Insecurity
Armed police fired teargas on Friday to disperse demonstrators marching toward Abuja’s Eagle Square. The protesters, who began their march at Berger Bus Stop, were heading to the Federal Secretariat to demand urgent action on rising insecurity, governance reforms, and the release of abducted schoolchildren.
Security operatives blocked the advance near Eagle Square, launching teargas canisters into the crowd. Among those affected was human rights activist and protest leader Omoyele Sowore, who was reportedly hit at close range. Sowore suffered severe breathing difficulties from the fumes and required immediate assistance from fellow marchers.
The police fired a second round of teargas while Sowore was recovering, triggering panic among demonstrators and nearby commuters. Undeterred, the protesters later regrouped to continue their march. Speaking to journalists, Sowore insisted that Nigerians must be liberated from "oppressors," while the demonstrators vowed to press on until the government decisively tackles insecurity and secures the release of the abducted children.