Police fired teargas at Sowore during June 12 protest in Abuja

BREAKING: Armed policemen fired teargas at Omoyele Sowore and other peaceful protesters in Abuja yesterday during the June 12 Democracy Day march. The protest started at Berger Bus Stop and was heading to the Federal Secretariat to demand an end to rising insecurity, release of abducted school children, and better governance.

Sowore was hit at close range and inhaled fumes, struggling to breathe while fellow protesters rushed to help him. Even as he received attention, the police fired another round of teargas causing panic. The protesters later regrouped and continued their march, vowing not to be deterred by what they called harassment and intimidation.

Sowore told journalists that Nigerians must be liberated from the shackles of oppressors. On Democracy Day of all days, this is the reality we face in Abuja. What exactly is there to celebrate?