Armed security personnel halted a group of protesters who were marching from the MKO Abiola National Stadium to Eagle Square at the Central Business District junction near the United Nations building at 12:55 pm today. The crowd was dispersed with teargas.
Reports indicate that one protester may have been shot dead while trying to flee the scene.
The march began at 12:39 pm, but by 1:50 pm, the protesters had regrouped at the MKO Abiola National Stadium and engaged in a shouting match with security forces. They criticized the use of force and called on President Tinubu to address their demands.
The protesters are advocating for the reinstatement of fuel subsidies to reduce petrol prices and an end to corruption in the subsidy system. They chanted slogans such as “End Bad Government” and “Bring Back Subsidy” during their demonstration.
Earlier in the day, protesters gathered at various locations around Abuja, including the Berger Roundabout in Wuse Zone 6, from as early as 9:06 am before proceeding to the stadium. A helicopter was seen flying over the stadium, heightening the tense situation.
Security forces, including personnel from the Army Headquarters Garrison Command, NSCDC, and DSS, were deployed to the area, with FCT Commissioner of Police Bennett Igweh visiting earlier.
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