Security forces on Monday fired live bullets to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in Abuja.
The demonstrators, led by the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, had converged as early as 6:50 a.m. around the headquarters of the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The protesters were chanting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect rule of law! We have rights to protest; we’re Nigerians!” when security operatives opened fire.
The combined team, drawn from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had mounted heavy security around the Presidential Villa since Sunday.
Armed personnel were stationed at strategic points leading to the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, Force Headquarters, and the popular Eagle Square.
Before the clampdown, the protesters had vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to press home their demand for Kanu’s release, accusing the government of flouting court orders.
Our correspondent reports that as the crowd approached the Court of Appeal, operatives fired several rounds, forcing protesters to flee in different directions.
Initially, the protesters believed the officers intended to release teargas canisters, but panic ensued when live ammunition was discharged.
As of the time of filing this report, Armoured Personnel Carriers belonging to the Guards Brigade, police, and DSS were still stationed at the front of the National Assembly complex, Aso Rock Villa gate, Eagle Square and environs.