Police unleash tear gas on protesters, journalists at Abuja’s Berger junction

On the second day of the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protest, Nigerian police operatives launched a violent attack on demonstrators in Abuja. 

On Friday, police fired tear gas canisters at protesters gathered at the Berger roundabout, a key assembly point. 

Journalists covering the protest were also targeted, tear-gassed, and attacked at a separate location, mirroring the previous day’s events.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, claimed on Thursday that a serving Senator was seen supplying food and drinks to protesters who were protesting against government.

We have received intelligence that a senator has enlisted security agencies to provide food for the protesters, which amounts to sponsorship.

“A senator supplying food for protesters is concerning. At the appropriate time, security agencies will question the senator about this form of support for actions against the current government,” he stated.

The minister reiterated the need for protesters to adhere to the court order confining them to Moshood Abiola National Stadium, citing violence and fatalities that occurred elsewhere on the first day of the protest.

He also revealed that security agencies have intelligence suggesting miscreants plan to hijack the protest on Friday to cause property damage. However, security forces are prepared to prevent this.

“We operate within a democratic framework and must adhere to the rule of law. Protesters have the right to voice their concerns, but they must respect court orders.

“Today, attempts to breach Eagle Square were thwarted, but there is intelligence indicating further attempts to cause destruction and loss of life tomorrow.

“Security agencies will prevent such actions. Protesters are urged to relocate to the MKO Abiola Stadium for their demonstrations, as mandated by the court,” he concluded.