Groups of demonstrators under the aegis of the Take-It-Back Movement today defied police warning and staged protests in Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, among other states over worsening economic conditions, rising repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had earlier urged the movement to cancel its planned nationwide protest, describing the timing as “ill-conceived and mischievous.”
The protesters, who gathered at the Maitama area of the nation’s capital to express their grievances, were dispersed with tear gas canisters which sent many scampering for safety.
The demonstrators carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” as they marched through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory.
It was the same situation in Rivers State, as the police also fired teargas at protesters at the Isaac Boro Park in a bid to disperse them.
Policemen gave the protesters a hot chase and beat up some of them including journalists reporting the event.
However, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, it was a peaceful protest with security operatives on standby to ensure that there was no breach of peace.
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