A series of peaceful protests organized under the banner of #EndBadGovernance took a dramatic turn in Abuja as Nigerian Police Force officers resorted to violent measures, including the deployment of tear gas against demonstrators. Videos captured by SaharaReporters and ICIR depict the chaos and shock experienced by protesters who questioned the disproportionate use of force by authorities.
According to Sahara Reporters, the demonstrations, which took place at Eagle Square and near the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, saw protesters expressing their frustrations over economic hardship, hunger, and ineffective governance. The violent police response, characterized by the use of tear gas, has overshadowed the initially peaceful intent of the protests.
Prior to these incidents, tensions had already mounted as protesters were ordered to relocate from their gathering point near the MKO Abiola Stadium into the stadium itself by Police Commissioner Benneth Igwe. The protesters defied this order, asserting that they were not obstructing traffic and that their presence served a purpose beyond a football match….Seë _ Morë