T he peaceful protest in Abuja has turned chaotic after police officers fired tear gas indiscriminately at the demonstrators. The police used tear gas in an attempt to prevent protesters from accessing the iconic Eagle Square in the Three Arms Zone.
As of 12:30 p.m., the area around the Head of Service Complex resembles a war zone, with protesters retaliating by throwing back the tear gas canisters at the police officers. Despite the use of force, the protesters remain undeterred and are regrouping.
Earlier reports from PREMIUM TIMES indicated that the protesters had peacefully marched from Moshood Abiola Stadium to Eagle Square without any incidents. However, chaos ensued as soon as they approached Eagle Square. The police took up tactical positions around the protesters and sporadically fired tear gas at them.
The protesters have not dispersed; instead, they have regrouped around the Ministry of Finance, blocking Ahmadu Bello Way and pushing back towards the police. Despite the escalating tension, the protesters have maintained their commitment to a peaceful demonstration and have refused to resort to violence.
They are demanding a reversal of government policies, such as the removal of subsidies on petrol, which they argue have exacerbated the economic crisis in Nigeria, leading to the worst cost of living crisis in a generation.
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