Amnesty International has expressed deep concerns regarding the treatment of protesters and journalists in Abuja, Yobe and Port Harcourt.
The human rights group condemned the attacks on demonstrators under the Take It Back Movement in these cities.
Reports indicate that protesters, who have been actively demonstrating in Abuja, Lagos, and other major Nigerian cities, are challenging the “authoritarianism” of President Bola Tinubu's administration, as well as the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.
The police had previously warned the organizers against going forward with the protest, citing it as poorly timed and mischievous due to the coinciding National Police Day celebrations.
Despite the warnings, the protest continued, with demonstrators marching on the streets of the capital and other regions.
In Port Harcourt, the police used tear gas to disperse the protesters at Isaac Boro Park. Amnesty International, reacting to the incidents, stated:
“Amnesty is deeply concerned by security forces’ attacks on protesters in Abuja and Port Harcourt. Protesters and journalists were beaten in Port Harcourt. In Damaturu, Yobe state, 4 activists have been unlawfully arrested. These atrocities are unacceptable & must be investigated.”;
The protests are centered around human rights violations and calls for the Nigerian government to stop suppressing freedom of expression and assembly.
