Police has reportedly opeed fire and shot live rounds on #FreeNnamdiKanu peaceful protesters in Abuja.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused security operatives of opening fire on peaceful demonstrators during the #FreeNnamdiKanu rally held on Monday in Abuja.
Speaking during an interview on The Morning Brief programme on Channels Television, Sowore alleged that the attack occurred shortly after the protest began in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, where demonstrators had gathered to demand the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
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According to Sowore, the protest had been peaceful and orderly until security operatives arrived in about ten trucks and began shooting sporadically.
“There was no provocation on our part. We had promised a peaceful protest, but suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us — tear gas and even live bullets,” Sowore recounted.
“Luckily, I don’t think anyone was hit by live rounds, but they were shooting all around us.”
He also alleged that several protesters were arrested, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, both of whom were reportedly assaulted before being taken to the FCT Police Command.
“Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” he added.
The incident has drawn swift condemnation from rights groups and pro-democracy activists, who have described the use of force against peaceful protesters as a violation of fundamental human rights.
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS) have yet to issue an official statement on the reported attack or arrests.
