A protest near Eagle Square was disrupted by police on Thursday, as officers fired teargas to disperse the crowd.
Eyewitnesses report that the protesters, who were gathered to demand for end to hunger were dispersed.
However, police arrived on the scene and began firing teargas canisters into the crowd, causing chaos and confusion.
“I was there to exercise my right to protest, but the police didn’t allow us to,” said one protester, who wished to remain anonymous. “They just started firing teargas and chasing us away.”
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for an end to police brutality and the right to peaceful protest.
“This is a clear violation of our human rights,” said a Twitter user. “We demand justice for the protesters who were attacked today.”
The police have yet to comment on the incident, but human rights groups have condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters.
“We call on the authorities to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International Nigeria. “The use of teargas and force against protesters is unacceptable and must be investigated.”
