By Francesca Hangeior.
The Nigerian security forces, on Tuesday, sealed off Eagle Square, a revered national venue, and dispersed a protest by the #FearlessInOctober demonstrators, escalating tensions between protesters and the government in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The crackdown, involving police and military personnel, blocked access to the square, a strategic location near the National Assembly and Presidential Villa that symbolizes Nigeria’s seat of power.
Tuesday’s protest aimed to highlight Nigeria’s economic crisis, with demonstrators demanding an end to poverty, hardship, and poor governance.
The #FearlessInOctober movement seeks to pressure the government to address skyrocketing food prices, rising fuel costs, and widespread poverty.
Previous protests held between August 1 and 10 were met with resistance from security operatives, setting the stage for Tuesday’s confrontation.
The government’s decision to seal off Eagle Square, despite it not being used for Independence Day celebrations, has raised concerns among protesters about their freedom of assembly and expression.
As of the time of this report, security agencies continue to patrol Abuja, searching for protesters.
Eagle Square’s significance lies in its role as the venue for presidential inaugurations, independence celebrations, and historic gatherings.