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Hunger protest: ophthalmologists caution against prolonged exposure to tear gas

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Hunger protest: ophthalmologists caution against prolonged exposure to tear gas

*Says, it may cause blindness

By Francesca Hangeior

Leading eye specialists have cautioned that prolonged exposure to tear gas could cause temporary blindness and other eye complications, which if left untreated could lead to permanent blindness.

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They also noted that people without protective clothes and devices were at risk of cornea injuries and conjunctivitis when exposed to tear gas.

The ophthalmologists advised those exposed to tear gas to quickly rinse their eyes and affected body parts with water.

The experts’ warning and advice comes on the heels of the 10-day protest that began on August 1st and had been marred with security agents firing tear gas to disperse protesters.

Under the #Endbadgovernance and #Hungerprotests, several Nigerians in several states of the federation, have through placards and chants demonstrated their displeasure with the current economic hardship.

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But the President, Bola Tinubu, in an address to the nation on Sunday, told protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue.

Tear gas is a riot control agent mostly used by law enforcement agents that temporarily constrain people by irritating the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, long-lasting exposure or exposure to a large dose of tear gas may cause blindness, glaucoma and respiratory failure possibly resulting in death.

However, a professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Benin, Edo State, Afekhide Omoti, stated that prolonged exposure to tear gas in an enclosed environment could cause blindness.

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He, however, noted that the risk of blindness was reduced if the tear gas was used in an open environment.

The Chairman of the National Eye Health Committee said, “In the normal circumstances where tear gas is used in an open environment, it will not cause blindness.

“However, if there is prolonged exposure in a closed environment, it is possible that tear gas can cause blindness,” he said.

The researcher on Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Disorders further noted that physical exertion, such as running after contact with tear gas, makes the affected persons more susceptible to severe symptoms.

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Omoti said, “As far as blindness is concerned, large doses may cause temporary blindness.

However, in very unusual circumstances, and depending on the delivery system, more prolonged damage can occur.

Explosive systems, particularly those used in the military, may cause thermal, chemical, and physical damage due to the blast. If left untreated, it can cause permanent blindness. But this is not the usual type used by the anti-riot police.”

The researcher on Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Disorders further noted that tear gas might worsen the conditions of persons with corneal problems but had no effect on those with cataracts and glaucoma.

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He added, “Depending on the specific chemical agent used in the tear gas and the mode of delivery, tear gas can cause a variety of eye defects which include mild features such as blepharospasm, conjunctivitis and superficial keratitis.

“More severe complications which are very unlikely include corneal stromal opacities, corneal neovascularisation, neurotrophic keratopathy, conjunctival necrosis, and pseudopterygium. These are all problems with the cornea and conjunctiva, the surface structures of the eye.

“Ordinarily, those with glaucoma should not be at higher risk of blindness from tear gas use. However, if the explosive variety is used, and as I said earlier, this is not the usual type used in our civilian crowd control, then the physical effects may increase the intraocular pressure and worsen the glaucoma or even theoretically cause blindness in terminal stages. But I must again reiterate that this is not likely.”

The ophthalmologist asserted that if these eye defects were untreated, it could cause possible complications, which could lead to blindness.

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“Untreated, possible complications which will cause blindness, especially in explosive cases include corneal neovascularisation, stromal thinning, ulceration, infection and perforation. Others include secondary glaucoma, cataract formation, vitreous haemorrhage and traumatic optic neuropathy which are physical complications of the explosive which are not normally used in civilian crowd control,” Omoti said.

Also, the President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Dr Abiola Oyeleye, stated that tear gas affects the eyes and skin of those it comes in contact with, noting that when inhaled, it affects the lining of the mouth, nose, chest, lungs and the respiratory system.

The ophthalmologist emphasised that direct exposure of tear gas to the eyes could damage the eye structures and lead to blindness.

The Medical Director of the Eye Doctors Group of Clinics, said, “So if we are specific now about the eyes, what it does, it irritates the eye, and anything that irritates the eye causes tears, and that’s where the name tear gas is from. So the eye sends a message to the brain that something is irritating me and the brain now sends a message to the tear glands saying something is irritating the eye, send tears to the eye, the tear glands now function and send tears to the eye, so it’s a response to whatever agent has caused it, that’s where the name tear gas comes from. Pp

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Court Gives Falanas, January Date To Prove Case Against VDM

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A Lagos High Court has adjourned the defamation suit brought by Femi Falana and his son against social media influencer, Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, until January 23, 2025.

The case was brought by human rights activist Femi Falana and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.

VeryDarkMan arrived in court dressed in a red native outfit, accompanied by fans who cheered him on, but the Falanas were not present.

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The case could not proceed as several applications filed by the parties were still not included in the court file. As a result, the court decided to adjourn the hearing until January 23, 2025.

On October 14, Justice Matthias Dawodu ruled on an ex-parte application filed by the Falanas, granting them legal protection from defamation. The judge ordered that VeryDarkMan remove a defamatory video he posted on September 24, 2025, which targeted the senior lawyer and his son. Additionally, the court prohibited VeryDarkMan from posting or sharing any defamatory content about them on his social media accounts until the matter is resolved.

The Falanas had filed separate lawsuits seeking N500 million each in damages, claiming that VeryDarkMan posted a video accusing them of accepting N10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to influence a legal matter.

They argued that VeryDarkMan knew the allegations were false but chose to spread them, causing harm to their reputations. The Falanas further pointed out that the video continues to circulate online, further damaging their reputations.

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In response, VeryDarkMan applied to the court for permission to appeal the ruling.

He argued that refusing his request would be an injustice, as the case involves significant legal questions that require further examination. He stated, “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole. The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”

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READ 8 Facts About New Lakurawa Terror Group in North West

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Lakurawa, a new terror group is now wreaking havoc in northwestern part of the country. It was once dismissed as harmless herders.

Initially seen as seasonal migrants, the Lakurawa group has evolved into a powerful militant force linked to jihadist networks in the Sahel.

With roots stretching back six years, Lakurawa has grown under the radar, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders and limited government oversight.

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Here’s what you need to know about this escalating threat and the challenges it poses to the region’s security.

From Herders to Terrorists

Originally seen as seasonal herders from Niger, the Lakurawa group quietly entered Sokoto communities in search of pasture, later gaining a reputation as militants with ties to jihadist networks across the Sahel.

Authorities’ Early Misjudgment

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Locals first reported suspicious activities by Lakurawa herders nearly six years ago, but authorities dismissed them as non-violent. However, recent intelligence from Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters reclassifies Lakurawa as a new terror group with connections to extremist networks.

Cross-Border Threats

The Lakurawa exploit Nigeria’s porous borders with countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali, entering remote areas to promote radical ideology, often in Hausa and Fulfulde languages, and impose strict “Islamic” rules on communities.

Unusual Alliances

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Invited by local leaders to fend off other bandits, Lakurawa quickly grew from an auxiliary force into a dominant presence, controlling communities through a mix of militant enforcement and religious influence.

Camp ‘Darul Islam’ in Forests

Lakurawa established camps around Gwangwano, Mulawa, Wassaniya, and Tunigara along the Nigeria-Niger border, naming them Darul Islam, or “Abode of Islam.” Their membership has since swelled to over 200 young men.

Escalation and Armed Attacks

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Once tolerated by local communities, the group’s violent tendencies surfaced through alleged attacks on military bases and confrontations with Nigerian security forces, marking a shift to full-scale militancy.

Radical Ideology and Social Control

The group enforces stringent rules, often forbidding music and dancing, and collects levies disguised as religious Zakat. They pressure locals to obey these laws, maintaining authority over vulnerable communities.

A Growing Regional Concern

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With ties to jihadist groups across the Sahel, Lakurawa’s presence reflects broader security challenges. The breakdown in joint border patrols after Niger’s recent coup has only worsened Nigeria’s exposure to such extremist threats.(PRNigeria)

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It’s wrong to arrest individuals in place of suspects — Says PSC chairman

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd) has condemned the practice by Nigeria Police Force operatives of arresting individuals in place of actual suspects.

He also frowned at the handcuffing of suspects during arrests, adding that the law prohibits these practices.

A statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, said Argungu made this known
during training on international Human Rights-based policing and effective oversight of personnel of the Police Service Commission.

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Ani said the PSC chairman stressed that every suspect must be accorded humane treatment and must not be subjected to any form of torture, cruelty, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

The statement read, “DIG Hashimu Argungu, x-rayed human treatment of arrested suspects and declared that a suspect shall be accorded human treatment, having regard to his right to the dignity of his person and not be subjected to any form of torture, cru
Argungu noted that a suspect shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract and shall be brought before the court as prescribed by law or otherwise released conditionally or unconditionally.

He explained that “a person shall not for any reason be arrested in place of a suspect adding that the law prohibits the handcuffing or any other unnecessary restrain of an arrested person, except if there is reasonable apprehension of violence or an attempt to escape; the restrain is considered necessary for the safety of the suspect or defendant or by order of court.”

Ani added the PSC chairman also noted that all over the world, police officers generally have broad powers to carry out their functions and duties.

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“He noted that the constitution as amended and other procedural laws, however, place limits on how far Police can go in trying to enforce the law.

“According to him, one of the primary purposes of these laws is to protect citizens from abuses by the government, including police misconduct,” the statement added

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