Fully armed officers and men of the Nigeria Police fired teargas canisters at a group of peaceful protesters on Thursday around the outer cordon of the Eagle Square, located in the Three Arms Zone, Abuja. This area, known as the seat of power, houses the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Supreme Court, Federal Secretariat, and Head of Service.
The protesters, who were initially peaceful, gathered to demand an end to hunger, highlighting that ulcer has become a common ailment among Nigerians. They questioned the police’s decision to shoot at them, especially after providing security cover for a pro-Government group just days prior.
Initially dispersed at about 8 am, the protesters regrouped and continued their demonstration, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene. However, at around 10:30 am, a policeman fired a canister in the direction of some journalists who were attempting to interview the protesters. The sudden escalation caused many to flee in various directions.
In a dramatic moment, a young woman with a baby approached the policemen and dared them to kill her and her child. Efforts to identify the woman were unsuccessful as the police continued to fire teargas canisters at any civilian within their sight.
The situation grew more intense when the Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, arrived to address the protesters. Despite his attempts to speak, his voice was initially drowned out by the loud chants of “hunger dey” from the protesters.
After some time, the protesters calmed down and listened to Olawande, who described himself as a comrade who had attended over 500 protests in the past. “I am not here to fight you. I am not here to ask you not to protest. It is your right. Like I said, I have been to over 100-500 protests,” he said. He assured the crowd that he would address the police regarding the use of teargas against them.
Despite Olawande’s assurances, the police continued to fire canisters at the protesters, suggesting that his message to the police was not heeded.
The protests in Abuja underscore the growing discontent among Nigerians over the economic challenges and the response of the authorities to peaceful demonstrations.
