By Abiola Olawole
Chaos erupted in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday morning, April 7, 2025, as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reportedly unleashed tear gas on a group of peaceful protesters.
The demonstrators, who had gathered to voice their grievances, were reportedly dispersed, sparking widespread panic and outrage among residents and onlookers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protest, which began orderly in the early hours, was abruptly disrupted when police moved in to disperse the crowd.
The protest, which was part of a nationwide demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations, coincided with the National Police Day celebrations held at Eagle Square.
As part of the security arrangements for the official event, authorities had placed a blockade around the Three Arms Zone, where top police officials were expected to attend the ceremony honouring the service of the Nigeria Police Force.
Protesters — including human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore — carried placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” aimed at drawing attention to what the organizers described as a growing wave of authoritarianism under the current administration.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, who led the mobilisation, outlined the key issues fueling the protest. These included soaring inflation, nationwide insecurity, and what he described as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
Although the protest reportedly began peacefully, it descended into chaos when police operatives deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. Protesters were seen fleeing the area, with tensions running high.
