Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore stumbled and fell on Thursday after security operatives fired teargas to disperse demonstrators during a protest in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The protest, held to draw attention to concerns over governance, economic hardship and insecurity, turned chaotic when security personnel deployed teargas canisters to break up the gathering, sending protesters scrambling for safety.
Videos circulating on social media showed Sowore falling to the ground while attempting to escape the thick clouds of teargas. He was quickly assisted by supporters before continuing with the demonstration.
Despite the crackdown, protesters regrouped and continued chanting anti-government slogans, insisting that they would not be intimidated. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as the teargas spread across the protest venue, forcing participants and bystanders to flee.
The incident has reignited concerns over the use of force by security agencies in managing public demonstrations, with rights advocates urging authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
There was no immediate official statement from security agencies regarding the deployment of teargas or whether any arrests were made.
