Why Did Police Teargas Protesters? Eagle Square in Smoke

At Abuja, the atmosphere took a tense turn as police operatives deployed tear gas against a small group of protesters gathered around Eagle Square. This incident, witnessed by The Nation’s correspondent, unfolded amidst a backdrop of calls for better governance under the banner of #ENDBADGOVERNMENT.

The protest was particularly significant because it came against the background of a court ruling that had recently sanctioned activities at the nearby Moshood Abiola National Stadium. 

The scenes at Eagle Square raise questions about the dynamics of protest and control. Why resort to tear gas when the protesters were peaceful?

The demonstrators, undeterred by this legal backdrop, were initially spotted at the stadium but soon made their way toward Eagle Square, driven by a resolve to make their voices heard.

Upon sighting the protesters, police operatives intervened. Their approach was not to disperse the crowd with force but rather to discourage their presence by making the environment uncomfortable. They fired short bursts of tear gas into the air—a clear signal that the gathering was not welcome.

Despite the sting of the gas and the blurred vision it caused, the protesters pressed on. They marched, sang, and waved the national flag, a symbol of their patriotic and peaceful intent. Placards in hand, they showcased their demands and sentiments, which, despite the police’s efforts, remained strong and clear.

The protesters were not just vocal but also orderly. Their disciplined approach contrasted sharply with the chaotic scenes often associated with tear gas and police interventions. 

At Moshood Abiola Stadium, spirits were high as more demonstrators prepared to march toward Eagle Square, signaling a day of peaceful yet profound protest.

Security measures had been tight. Earlier attempts to move towards Eagle Square were blocked by security operatives, a preemptive attempt to contain the protest within the bounds of the stadium. However, the resolve of the protesters showed through as they overcame barriers, both physical and metaphorical, to rally for their cause.

What does this say about the state of public assembly and expression in the nation’s capital? And importantly, what message does this send to the public and the world about handling dissent in a democratic society?