Amnesty International Nigeria, one of the leading Human Rights group, has said that over 50 protesters were arrested in Abuja on the third day of the demonstration against hardship in the land.
The group, in a tweet said, “The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the ongoing violent crackdown on peaceful protesters who convened at Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja.
“The over 50 peaceful protesters arbitrarily arrested across the FCT must be released immediately and unconditionally.
“The shocking and unconscionable use of deadly force on protesters against hunger in the FCT is unacceptable.
“Those suspected of responsibility must be held to account. People have the right to peacefully demand accountability through protests. This right must be respected.
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Grassroots Parrot had earlier reported how police operatives fired tear gas at protesters at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Moments earlier, the protesters had engaged in a congress, allowing protesters of different ethnicities and tribes to air grievances and make demands on the government.
However, policemen fired teargas at the protesters, who, upon sighting them, sat on the floor, singing solidarity songs.
The atmosphere was charged after police fired teargas at protesters on the third day.
Although the police had forcefully dispersed protesters across Nigeria’s capital city on the first two days of the exercise, there was no use of force at the approved venue.
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But the formerly friendly officers became aggressive when protesters began regrouping on Saturday.
Masked operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) also arrived the stadium in seven vehicles.
While the policemen arrested those on ground, other operatives started shooting at protesters and journalists who ran for cover.
The security operatives not only shot but chased their victims, arrested them. Some of the journalists who were arrested regained freedom after identifying themselves while the protesters were whisked away.