Police in the nation’s capital, Abuja, fired teargas on Tuesday at hundreds of protesters participating in the #FearlessInOctober demonstration against poverty, hardship, and bad governance.
The incident took place in the Jabi and Utako areas, forcing residents and protesters to flee for safety.
The demonstrators, carrying banners with statements such as “We are hungry” and “Enough is Enough – Revolution Now,” were part of a nationwide movement demanding an end to economic hardship, insecurity, and poor leadership.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing protesters injured during the police crackdown, although organizers have not yet released an official casualty count.
Nigerian security forces also sealed off Eagle Square in Abuja and dispersed a protest by the #FearlessInOctober demonstrators.
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A combined team of police and military personnel blocked access to the square, a strategic location near the National Assembly and Presidential Villa that symbolizes Nigeria’s seat of power.
One of the protesters commented, “The Nigerian government seeks to repress, suppress, and oppress the Nigerian people to the point where they become too afraid to express their fundamental rights.”
“However, today, we are showing the government through our actions here that our voices can never be silenced. The government should not expect us to remain quiet in the face of our poverty, suffering, insecurity, and poor leadership in every sector. A bag of rice costs about N100,000, and we are buying fuel for over N1,000. And you say that is not enough? No.”
More details to follow.
