Men of the Nigerian Police have fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters demanding that President Muhammadu Buhari should resume or resign. Eyewitness accounts say the protesters have been intimidated and harassed even with ferocious dogs.
One person, Theophilus Abu Agada, was injured as policemen fired tear gas canisters at the protesters. He was taken to a clinic at the Federal Secretariat complex, a few kilometres from the scene of the incident.
The wounded protester, Theophilus Abu Agada | Photo: Facebook
Protesters under the banner of Concerned Nigerians had since Monday protested in Abuja to decry the absence of the President from the country for more than 90 days, while also demanding the disclosure of his health status.
The protest, however, took an unpleasant turn on Tuesday morning as the police moved in to disperse using tear gas and water cannon.
Popular musician and social activist Charles Oputa who is popularly known as Charly Boy was among the protesters.
Co-convener Deji Adeyanju tweeted videos of the attack, maintaining the group’s reslolve to go ahead with the protest;
Over 120 policemen attacked about 10 of us. They used teargas, water cannon & dogs but there’s NO GOING BACK.
We continue tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Dz2zAo7htZ
— Adeyanju Deji ???????? (@adeyanjudeji) August 8, 2017
The journalist in black & red checked shirt with the black backpack was beaten up & his camera seized by men of @PoliceNG pic.twitter.com/5Fk2tUzoTC
— Igala_Alan_Shore (@i_am_Anomeli) August 8, 2017
Police have cordoned off the Unity Fountain venue of the #ResumeOrResign protests & are holding the people who came early pic.twitter.com/1JSYH8DcvM
— Igala_Alan_Shore (@i_am_Anomeli) August 8, 2017
More to follow…
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