Abuja, Nigeria – Nigerian police operatives on Tuesday morning confronted protesters participating in the #FearlessInOctober demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The protest, which aimed to highlight the growing hardships and poverty in the country, was met with a forceful response as police officers reportedly fired teargas canisters and live ammunition at the peaceful demonstrators.
The protesters, who had gathered in areas believed to be around Jabi and Utako in the FCT, were seen fleeing for safety in videos circulating online. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the demonstrators, who were peacefully marching and chanting, were forced to abandon their protest.
Earlier, thousands of Nigerians had joined the #FearlessInOctober movement, which was sparked by widespread frustration over economic difficulties, high fuel prices, and unemployment. Chanting slogans such as “We are hungry,” protesters displayed banners with messages like, “Bad Governance Has Ended the Dreams of Nigerian Youths, End It Now” and “Enough is Enough – Revolution Now.”
One of the demonstrators voiced his anger, saying, “We are buying fuel at N1000 per liter, and you expect us not to come out and protest. What are we saying – we are hungry.”
Human Rights Activist Omoyele Sowore Leads the Call for Action
The protest was spearheaded by prominent human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, Comrade Omoyele Sowore. Sowore had called on Nigerians nationwide to take to the streets on October 1st to protest against what he described as the economic hardship and suffering inflicted by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a post on Monday evening, Sowore reiterated his commitment to standing with Nigerians, stating that he could not remain silent in the face of the increasing deprivation and hardship being experienced by citizens. He emphasized that protests and civil revolts are essential tools for expressing opposition to what he termed “anti-people policies.”
“Protesting is a right that is ingrained in every individual’s genetic makeup,” Sowore stated. He reminded the public of his personal sacrifices, having spent five of the last six years in detention or under house arrest on charges of treason brought by the government. Those charges were eventually dropped, but Sowore vowed to continue his activism until “our point-by-point demands are met.”
Tensions Rise Amid Widespread Economic Discontent
The #FearlessInOctober protest is just the latest in a series of demonstrations against the escalating economic challenges facing Nigerians. Rising fuel prices, inflation, and widespread unemployment have exacerbated the economic crisis, leaving many citizens struggling to survive. The protest movement is expected to grow, as frustrations continue to mount against the current administration’s policies.
Despite the government’s efforts to suppress the protests, activists like Sowore remain resolute, insisting that they will not be silenced until the people’s demands for better governance and relief from economic hardship are addressed.
