Sowore reportedly collapses as tear gas disrupts democracy day protest in Abuja
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly collapsed on Thursday after security operatives dispersed Democracy Day protesters with tear gas in Abuja.
The incident occurred during a protest organised to commemorate June 12 and draw attention to concerns over insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges facing the country.
Read also: Police declare Sowore wanted over planned protest
Witnesses said the protesters had gathered near the Eagle Square area when security personnel allegedly fired tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. The action triggered panic among demonstrators, with several participants seen running for safety.
Sowore, who was among the leading figures at the protest, was reportedly affected by the tear gas and later collapsed. Videos shared on social media showed protesters and supporters rushing to assist him before moving him away from the scene.
The activist was subsequently revived and appeared to regain consciousness, according to eyewitness accounts.
Read also: Omoyele Sowore: The Unicorn in a Sea of Phonies, by Osmund Agbo
Despite the disruption, protesters regrouped and continued their demonstration, insisting on their right to peaceful assembly and calling for urgent action to address the country’s socio-economic and security challenges.
In reaction to the incident, rights groups condemned the reported use of force against demonstrators and urged authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
The protest formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12 in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, while the full extent of Sowore’s condition remained unclear.
The development has sparked reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the reported use of tear gas against peaceful demonstrators and calling for restraint by security agencies.
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