Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was reportedly rushed to a hospital after collapsing during a protest in Abuja on Friday.
According to reports, the incident occurred after police officers fired teargas to disperse protesters participating in a demonstration against the worsening security situation in the country.
The protest was organised in response to recent attacks, killings and other security challenges recorded in different parts of Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses said the demonstration began peacefully but later turned tense after security operatives allegedly attempted to stop the protesters from moving beyond a restricted area.
Sources at the scene claimed that several protesters ran for safety as teargas canisters were fired, while Sowore, who was among those leading the protest, appeared to have been affected by the fumes.
“He collapsed shortly after the teargas was fired. People around him quickly rushed to help him before he was taken away for medical attention,” a source said.
Videos circulating online showed a tense atmosphere at the protest venue, with some demonstrators confronting security operatives while others hurried away from the area.
As of the time of filing this report, Sowore’s condition had not been officially confirmed. The police had also not released an official statement regarding the incident.
The development comes amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country, with citizens and civil society groups continuing to call on the Federal Government to take stronger measures to protect lives and property.
