June 12: Tension as Police, protesters engage each other on streets in Abuja

Men of the Nigeria Police and the June 12 protesters were on Saturday came at each others’ jugular, with Police firing teargas to disperse the protesters at Gudu Area in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Upon sighting the protesters with placards which reads, “Buhari must go”, the Police without wasting time started firing teargas canisters.

Saturday’s Police operation looks like they were ready to tackle the protesters at all cost given the protesters insistence that they would march on streets of Abuja, Lagos and other towns this Saturday.

Our correspondent who monitored the protest could see protesters being chased away and prevented from converging in the morning hours.

Before the arrival of Police however, protest had started around 08:30 am and had been going smoothly with the protesters, mostly youths, who expressed that government under President Muhammadu Buhari has failed Nigerians.

They complained of insecurity which ranges from killings, insurgency, and banditry, saying that government has failed in its primary responsibility of protecting the citizens.

The protesters, who chanted ‘Buhari must go”, “Say no to injustice”, scampered for safety when the security operatives started shooting.

At the dramatic turn of shooting live bullets, protesters, and journalists took to their heels, while motorists moving close to the scene of confusion started making u-turn for their dear lives.

Also, at the millennium Park the usual place of protesters which is opposite the popular Transport Hilton, Maitama Abuja was quiet with Police Armoured car (Black colour) stationed for any eventuality as at the time of filing this report.

Our correspondent further observed security patrols on streets of Maitama, Gudu, Wuse, Asokoro, Gudu, Wuse II, and in some strategic places around the Federal Capital Territory.