Police Clash with Lugbe Protesters in Abuja
By Patience Ikpeme
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest took a dramatic turn on its first day as police engaged demonstrators in Lugbe, leading to hours of unrest and disruption.
Between 5pm and 9pm, law enforcement officers dispersed crowds along the Lugbe axis, arresting individuals. The crackdown extended from the Federal Housing Bridge to the Police Signboard bus stop.
To clear the area, police resorted to firing tear gas canisters and shooting into the air, causing panic among pedestrians and motorists. The ensuing chaos forced commuters traveling from the city center to Kuje, Gwagwalada, Giri, and other suburbs to seek alternative routes.
Many people were stranded as public transportation halted due to the volatile situation. A witness, attempting to return to Games Village from Kuje, described the ordeal as “unlawful and unnecessary.” She had been caught in the chaos since 5pm.
While the unrest was primarily confined to the roadsides, the police took it’s clearing activities into Lugbe proper as what sounded like gun shots could be heard inside the community.
