Abuja was thrown into tension on Thursday as security operatives fired tear gas canisters at protesters led by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, during a Democracy Day demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory.
The protesters had gathered to mark June 12 with a rally against rising economic hardship, insecurity, and worsening living conditions across the country. Witnesses said the demonstration was initially peaceful, with participants carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs before security personnel moved in to disperse the crowd.
Multiple tear gas canisters were reportedly fired into the gathering, causing panic as protesters scrambled for safety. Videos circulating online showed demonstrators coughing, running for cover, and attempting to regroup after the disruption. Reports also indicated that Sowore was affected by the tear gas during the incident and had to receive assistance from fellow protesters.
The protest formed part of a nationwide action organized by civil society groups and activists who accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately address insecurity, inflation, hunger, and the declining standard of living faced by millions of Nigerians. Organizers had earlier called on citizens to use Democracy Day to demand accountability and reforms from elected leaders.
The incident has sparked fresh debate about the state of civil liberties in Nigeria, with critics questioning the use of force against citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Supporters of the protesters argue that Democracy Day should serve as a platform for citizens to freely express dissatisfaction with governance, while authorities maintain that security agencies must preserve public order.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the police regarding the deployment of tear gas at the protest ground.
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