Police used tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd, the once peaceful protest quickly turned chaotic
The Nigeria Police Force used tear gas to disperse protestors in the Maitama neighborhood of Abuja on Monday.
This happened after Nigerians flocked the streets to demand immediate action from the government about the deteriorating economic conditions, the increasing repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.
The event, which was a part of a nationwide action that was planned by the Take-It-Back Movement in partnership with many organizations that are part of civil society, took place at the same time police were celebrating National Police Day.
Activists, such as Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate and human rights advocate, marched with signs reading “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe” to highlight what the organizers saw as an increasing trend of authoritarianism in the country’s leadership.
Protest leader Juwon Sanyaolu, who is also the national coordinator of the Take-It-Back movement, laid forth the main points that were driving the mobilization. Among these, he listed a “state of emergency” in Rivers State, rising prices across the country, and general unrest.
When police used tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd, the once peaceful protest quickly turned chaotic.