Chaos erupted in the nation’s capital on Monday, April 7, as police operatives dispersed peaceful demonstrators with tear gas during a protest organized by the Take-It-Back Movement alongside other civil society groups.
The protest, held in the Maitama district of Abuja, was staged to voice frustration over the worsening economic conditions, the perceived misuse of the Cybercrime Act, and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Chants of resistance echoed through the streets as demonstrators, some wielding placards inscribed with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” demanded immediate government action.
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The peaceful atmosphere quickly shifted when security personnel arrived at the scene and began firing tear gas canisters, sending the crowd scrambling for cover.
According to report, the protesters have now been dispersed, leaving behind a tense silence and lingering questions about the government’s response to civic dissent.
The protest is the latest in a series of nationwide actions by citizens demanding accountability and better governance in Africa’s most populous nation.