By Damilare Adeleye
Reports have emerged that a number of protesters who converged on Moshood Abiola stadium in Abuja in continuation of the #Endbadgovernance protest are currently being arrested by the Nigerian police.
It was learnt that the police picked them up outside the stadium, which was the venue ordered by federal high court.
Conveners of the protest had demanded to use Eagle Square for convergence but they were denied access.Authorities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had obtained a court order which restricted the protesters to MKO Abiola National Stadium.
However, on day three of the protest, the protesters had stayed away from the venue in the early hours of the day.But they started regrouping in tens around 11am and just as about they were to form a large group, the police released gunshots and teargas.
They also arrested all those on ground, including journalists, who identified themselves before they were released and ordered to leave immediately.
Human rights activist and convener of Revolution Now movement, Omoyele Sowore, also confirmed the violent attack on the protesters by the Nigerian police.
He wrote, “BREAKING:@PoliceNG arrive scene of Abuja #EndBadGovernaceInNigerianow to attack activists,@OfficialDSSNG on their way too with govt sponsored thigs to do the same thing.
“Protesters have kept going after the #Endbadgovernance protest commenced on August 1.
There have been recent instances of clampdown on protesters by police in the federal capital territory, a situation that has led to condemnations and concerns expressed by major stakeholders in the country.