Armed security operatives halted protesters marching to Eagle Square from MKO Abiola National Stadium at the Central Business District junction near the United Nations building at 12:55 pm today, firing teargas canisters to disperse the crowd. One protester is feared shot dead while trying to escape.
The protesters, who began their march at 12:39 pm, regrouped at the MKO Abiola National Stadium by 1:50 pm, engaging security forces in a shouting match. They warned against the use of brute force to stop the protest, demanding that President Tinubu address their grievances.
The protesters are calling for the return of fuel subsidies to reduce petrol prices and an end to corruption in the subsidy regime. They chanted slogans like “End Bad Government” and “Bring back Subsidy” as they marched.
Earlier, protesters had converged on different parts of Abuja, including the Berger Roundabout in Wuse Zone 6, as early as 9:06 am, before marching to the MKO Abiola Stadium. A helicopter was spotted flying over the stadium as protesters gathered, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Security forces, including personnel from the Army Headquarters Garrison Command, NSCDC, and DSS, are on the scene, with FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, visiting the area earlier.
