Police fire tear gas at June 12 protesters in Abuja

Officers the Nigeria Police Force tear-gassed some June 12 protesters in the federal capital territory (FCT).

The protesters who converged at the Unity Fountain Abuja, on Saturday, holding placards and chanting “Buhari must go”, “say no to injustice”, amongst other solidarity phrases.

On getting to Gudu area, Abuja, police officers started firing tear gas canisters, causing the protesters to scamper in different directions for safety.

Over the past few weeks, there have been posts on social media for Nigerians to stage a protest against “bad governance” on Saturday, which coincides with the country’s Democracy Day.

There were also reports that that the police on Friday, warned Nigerians to stay in their homes and stay away from the planned protest.

However, the Lagos state police command had refuted the report asking that the “sit at home order” be disregarded.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of any planned protest in Lagos State to commemorate the 2021 Democracy Day on Saturday, 12th June, 2021,” the statement reads.

“In this regard, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, therefore appeals to members of the public to disregard any sit-at-home order called by certain groups which is being circulated on the social media and go about their lawful businesses, as the police and other security agencies have made necessary arrangements to maintain law and order across the state.”