BREAKING! #EndBadGovt Protest Turns Violent; SEE How Police Fired Gunshots, Teargas At Protesters In Abuja, Niger
In a violence turn of events at the bustling Top Medical Junction in Tunga, Minna, the capital of Niger State, police officers were compelled to fire gunshots into the air to disperse a group of determined protesters attempting to block the busy thoroughfare.
The incident, which occurred amid rising tensions, saw initial efforts by the police to control the crowd using teargas, but the protesters regrouped with intentions to mount a roadblock, escalating the situation.
When our correspondent reached the scene, it was evident that the authorities had swiftly moved to restore order. Policemen, along with vigilante groups, were actively clearing the road of stones and other debris that the protesters had used to create the barricade. The prompt action was part of a larger security strategy to maintain peace and prevent further disruptions in the area.
The heightened security presence included not only the police but also personnel from the military, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
These operatives have been strategically positioned at key hotspots throughout Minna, particularly at the well- known Kpakungu Roundabout on the Minna- Bida road, a site of previous protests earlier this year.
The unrest in Minna has had a noticeable impact on local commerce. Out of caution and fear of potential looting, many markets and shops in the vicinity remained closed. The atmosphere was tense as business owners prioritized safety over operating amid the volatile environment.
Simultaneously, in Abuja, the nation’s capital, similar scenes of unrest were reported. TheCable disclosed that police forces fired teargas at unarmed protesters demonstrating near the federal secretariat. This move by the police has sparked concerns and criticisms about the handling of peaceful protests in the country.
The events in both Minna and Abuja underscore a broader national issue of civil unrest and the responses of security forces. As protests continue to emerge in various parts of Nigeria, the balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights of demonstrators remains a contentious and challenging issue for authorities.
