Protest against bad governance begins in Abuja on Independence Day

As Nigeria marked its Police operatives have dispersed #FearlessInOctober protesters at the Utako market area of Abuja, using tear gas to break up the procession.

The demonstration, aimed at raising awareness of pressing social issues, faced a heavy police presence that escalated into clashes.

A video posted on X by News Central Television shows demonstrators running away after the tear gas canisters were released into the air by the police operatives.

Recall that the FCT police command had strategically deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout Abuja in anticipation of the protests.

“This proactive deployments aim to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration.

“The deployment will include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, visibility policing, among others,” SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the command said in a statement. Independence Day Anniversary, hundreds of citizens have taken to the streets of Abuja in a protest tagged #FearlessInOctober, calling for an end to bad governance.

The demonstration, which was organized by various civil society groups, activists, and concerned citizens, resonated with the ongoing frustrations over Nigeria’s political, economic, and social challenges.

The event also revived the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, which was held two months ago.

Waving placards with bold messages such as “Enough is Enough,” “End Bad Governance Now,” and “We Demand Accountability,” the protesters, many of whom are young Nigerians, are currently marching in the heart of the Nigerian capital.

They are led by prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.