Several People Injured as Police Attack #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters
- brilliantachievers0
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
A peaceful protest calling for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, turned violent on Monday after security operatives fired tear gas canisters at demonstrators led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore in the Maitama and Transcorp Hilton areas of Abuja.
The protesters, including clergymen, members of civil society groups, and pro-democracy activists, had gathered under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement to demand Kanu’s immediate release in compliance with a 2022 Court of Appeal judgment.
Eyewitnesses said the protesters had barely begun chanting solidarity songs when heavily armed police officers and soldiers moved in, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
“There were no violent acts; people were only singing and holding placards when the police suddenly started shooting tear gas,” an eyewitness told Politics Nigeria. “Many people were injured, and even passersby were affected by the fumes.”
The protest, which began around the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in Maitama before spreading towards the Transcorp Hilton area, quickly descended into chaos as security personnel sealed off adjoining streets and fired indiscriminately.
Videos from the scene showed protesters and commuters scampering for safety as thick plumes of smoke filled the air. Some journalists covering the protest were reportedly manhandled, while several protesters sustained injuries.
Security sources confirmed that the operation was a joint effort by the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army. The security agencies had, on Sunday, issued warnings cautioning demonstrators against marching toward restricted areas such as the Presidential Villa, Eagle Square, and the Three Arms Zone.
Despite the warnings, Sowore and other organisers vowed to go ahead with the protest, accusing the government of violating court orders and suppressing lawful dissent.
Meanwhile, heavy security presence remains around strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory, including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, Federal Secretariat, and the approach roads to Aso Rock.
For current News Updates, kindly contact our radio/TV helpline: +2349157627963 or send us an email to: impactgeneralmedia@gmail.com
You can watch our 24 hours TV Programmes by visiting our TV website: https://impactgeneraltv.fanlink.tv/media
Listen to our 24 hours radio broadcast by downloading our Radio App known as 'Zeno Radio' or 'Radio FM', open the App and type in 'Impact General Radio' in the search box, tap on it to listen to our radio broadcast or click on our radio link below to listen:👇
Comments