Independence Day Protest: Police Use Teargas To Disperse Protesters At Utako Market, Abuja

Police officers, on Tuesday morning, dispersed a group of protesters in the Utako market area of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, by using teargas.

The protesters, who had gathered to deliberate on the day’s activities, were part of a demonstration organised by civil society organisations (CSOs) under the banner of the #EndBadGovernance movement.

The demonstration was part of a wider protest that began on October 1 in both Lagos and Abuja. It aimed to highlight grievances over the hike in fuel prices, rising food costs, and the broader impact of inflation on the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

The protest coincides with Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary and follows up on a similar protest in August, which became violent in some northern states.

Damilare Adenola, the director of mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, confirmed that despite the teargas used by police, the protesters would regroup and continue their demonstration.

The protestors hope to continue raising awareness of the economic challenges many Nigerians face and pressure the government to address issues of governance that have worsened citizens’ quality of life.

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