BREAKING: Many Faint, Others Injured As Police Crack Down On #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Rally
Security operatives on Monday unleashed violence on peaceful protesters in Abuja as police fired several rounds of tear gas canisters at human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and dozens of demonstrators demanding the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The incident occurred at Eda Plaza, near the popular Habitat area of Abuja, where protesters were marching along Jabi Road. Several people fainted, while many others sustained injuries as the air became thick with choking smoke from the tear gas.
The protesters, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and “Obey Court Orders,” were suddenly ambushed by a combined team of police officers and plainclothes operatives. The security agents fired multiple rounds of tear gas, forcing the crowd to disperse in different directions.
Moments after the initial assault, another group of armed officers reportedly stormed the Jabi Building Materials Market, ordering traders to shut down their shops immediately.
Witnesses said many of the traders and customers were caught up in the tear gas, leading to panic and confusion across the busy commercial area.
Earlier in the day, heavily armed police personnel had already fired tear gas canisters in Maitama, dispersing passersby and commuters even before protesters arrived at the designated convergence point. Witnesses said the police action came without warning.
“There were no protesters yet; people were just moving around as usual when suddenly the police started firing tear gas,” one eyewitness told SaharaReporters.
“Everyone started running; even roadside traders and taxi drivers. The whole area was in chaos.”
Security forces, including soldiers and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, have since taken control of strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sealing off the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and adjoining routes leading to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The massive lockdown follows a warning issued by the Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, cautioning organisers of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest to “stay clear of restricted areas” and maintain peace.
Despite the threats, organisers led by Sowore and several pro-democracy groups vowed to proceed, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of showing gross contempt for the rule of law and disobeying valid court orders.
