Police Disperse Protesters With Tear Gas in Abuja and Port Harcourt
ABUJA/PORT HARCOURT — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on April 7, 2025, used tear gas to disperse protesters in Abuja and Port Harcourt, disrupting demonstrations organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and civil society groups. The protests, which were part of a nationwide campaign against worsening economic conditions, alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, and emergency rule in Rivers State, quickly descended into chaos as police intervened.
Protests in Abuja
- Gathering at Maitama:
- Protesters assembled at the Maitama area of Abuja early Monday morning, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”
- Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined the demonstration to show solidarity.
- Police Intervention:
- The protest began peacefully but escalated when police operatives fired tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. Protesters fled in disarray, with reports of panic among demonstrators and journalists covering the event.
- Two protesters, identified as Bosede and Flagboy, were arrested. Flagboy was reportedly carrying the Nigerian flag during the demonstration.
- Organizers’ Statement:
- National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, condemned the police action, describing it as an attempt to suppress dissent. He reiterated that the protest aimed to resist “increasing authoritarianism” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Protests in Port Harcourt
- Gathering at Isaac Boro Park:
- In Port Harcourt, protesters converged on Isaac Boro Park as early as 9 a.m., demanding an end to emergency rule in Rivers State and calling for accountability from state authorities.
- Protesters claimed they had notified the Rivers State Police Command of their intention to hold the demonstration in a letter dated April 3, 2025.
- Police Response:
- Despite prior notification, armed anti-riot policemen intercepted protesters at multiple locations, including Aba Express Road and CFC Junction. Tear gas was fired to disperse them after they defied orders to vacate the streets.
- Some protesters were reportedly beaten by officers, while journalists covering the event were rough-handled and briefly detained before being release.
- Protesters’ Grievances:
- Protesters voiced their frustrations over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s suspension and demanded his reinstatement, arguing that governance under a sole administrator was unconstitutional.
- One protester stated: “We are not here for violence; we are here to express our grievances peacefully”.
Nationwide Context
- Broader Demands:
- The protests were part of a larger movement calling for urgent government action on rising inflation, insecurity, compensation for victims of forced demolitions, and release of detained activists across Nigeria.
- Demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with messages such as “Any law that forbids us from speaking our truth is shackles of slavery”.
- Police Denial in Rivers State:
- Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, denied allegations of excessive force, claiming officers acted against miscreants attempting to disrupt public order.
Public Reaction
- Mixed Opinions:
- While some Nigerians criticized the police for repressing peaceful protests, others questioned the timing of demonstrations coinciding with National Police Day celebrations in Abuja.
- Solidarity from Activists:
- Human rights organizations like Amnesty International called for restraint from security forces and emphasized protesters’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Conclusion
The dispersal of protesters in Abuja and Port Harcourt underscores growing tensions between civil society groups and government authorities over national issues. As organizers vow to continue their campaigns against repression and economic hardship, questions remain about how Nigeria will balance freedom of expression with maintaining public order.
