Tension erupted in Abuja on Monday as police officers fired tear gas around the Building Materials Plaza, forcing traders and passersby to flee for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred while police were chasing a group of protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The protest, reportedly led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, had begun peacefully before the situation escalated.
In their attempt to disperse the demonstrators, security operatives fired multiple tear gas canisters, some of which spread toward the nearby Building Materials Plaza along Dei-Dei Road. The resulting chaos caused panic among traders, many of whom abandoned their goods and fled to avoid inhaling the gas.
Videos from the scene show people coughing, screaming, and running in different directions as thick smoke covered the area. Several individuals reportedly sustained minor injuries while escaping the scene.
As of the time of filing this report, the police have not released an official statement explaining the excessive use of force or the reason behind targeting the protest area.
The incident has sparked outrage among human rights groups and residents, who condemned the action as a violation of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and movement.
Voice of the People (VOP) gathered that the protesters had earlier converged peacefully in Abuja to demand the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, before the security operatives intervened with tear gas.
VOP will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more details emerge.
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