Police Disperse Protesters In Abuja and Port Harcourt With Tear Gas

 The Nigerian police have employed measures to disperse protesters in various cities, notably Abuja and Port Harcourt. In Abuja, as demonstrators congregated near the National Stadium with intentions to proceed to Eagle Square, security forces intervened by firing tear gas canisters into the crowd.

This action led to chaotic scenes, with protesters scrambling for safety and resulting in several injuries. The police maintained that their actions were necessary to prevent unauthorized assemblies and potential breaches of public peace.

In Port Harcourt, the dynamics took a more violent turn. Thugs reportedly infiltrated the protest groups, leading to physical assaults on demonstrators and journalists covering the events. Eyewitnesses recounted incidents where protesters were beaten, and media personnel were harassed, with their equipment damaged. 

The presence of over 20 police officers who allegedly stood by without intervening has raised concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in managing civil demonstrations. 

The Rivers State Police Command has since acknowledged these incidents, with the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, assuring the public of a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.​