Abuja Protest Turns Violent, Leading To Widespread Panic-Forcing People To Flee For Safety

The early morning protest which started peacefully at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium has turned violent.

Angry protesters at the Eagle Square started attacking innocent persons and public facilities.

Armed with cudgels, sharp stones, sticks and other dangerous items, the young men pursued anyone they came across and attempted to overrun them.

But as they attempted to attack, motorists and commuters, who were on the service lane, scampered for safety while policemen, soldiers and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives were on hand to ward off the looming attack.

As the security men moved in, the weapon-wielding boys, most of whom appeared as urchins, ran across the service lane and forced many commuters and road users to run in different directions.

Motorists who were already moving in the direction of the violent protesters had to make a U-turn and speed off to avoid being overrun by the mob.

At the Katampe Power Injection plant, which provides electricity to most parts of Abuja, a contingent of army personnel was seen providing security at the vast premises to prevent the protesters from vandalizing it and throwing the city into darkness.

More and more protesters were seen pouring into the town as at 3pm, prompting the military and the police to re-strategize and deploy more men and equipment to contain the upsurge in protesters’ numbers.

Also, at the Area One round protesters were seen chanting anti-government songs and blocking the highway.