A peaceful demonstration in Abuja on Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, turned chaotic when security agents opened fire and used tear gas to disperse protesters.
The protest, organized by Omoyele Sowore and members of the #RevolutionNow movement, began as a peaceful march but soon descended into panic when police fired live rounds into the air. Though no casualties have been confirmed, videos circulating online show Sowore and other protesters running for safety amid clouds of tear gas and the sound of gunfire.
How the Abuja Protest Started
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters had gathered at Unity Fountain, Abuja, with the intention of marching to Aso Rock Villa, Nigeria’s seat of power, to demand Kanu’s unconditional release. The demonstration, tagged “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” was meant to be peaceful, but security operatives swiftly intervened.
Despite warnings from the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), the protesters insisted on going ahead, citing their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Police Response and Sowore’s Escape
Security operatives — including personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, and DSS — reportedly fired tear gas canisters and live bullets into the air to break up the crowd.
In one of the viral videos, Sowore was seen sprinting from the scene as gunshots rang out, while some protesters chanted, “Tear gas cannot stop us!” before retreating.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that although live rounds were fired, there were no confirmed casualties. The protesters eventually dispersed as security forces took control of the area.
Reactions Trail the Incident
The protest has sparked mixed reactions across social media. While some Nigerians praised Sowore for his courage, others mocked his decision to flee, saying it was a “tactical retreat.”
One commentator wrote:
“He who runs away today, lives to protest another day. Sowore is wise.”
Another added:
“It’s easy to criticize from your phone. At least he had the courage to show up.”
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters, describing it as an abuse of citizens’ rights. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also appealed to security agencies to exercise restraint and engage protesters through dialogue.
Government’s Warning Before the Protest
Prior to the demonstration, Dada Olusegun, a media aide to the Presidency, warned that the government would resist any attempt to destabilize the country.
The Nigerian Correctional Service also declared all correctional centres as “red zones,” advising demonstrators to stay away.
The Presidency had described the protest as an effort to “create unrest under the guise of activism,” a statement many activists viewed as an attempt to silence dissent.
Current Situation in Abuja
As of Monday afternoon, movement around major parts of Abuja remained restricted, with heavy security presence and traffic build-up reported in parts of the city centre.
While no official statement has been released by the police regarding arrests or injuries, Sowore and his team have vowed to continue demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu through legal and peaceful means.
Why It Matters
The incident has reignited debates about freedom of assembly and the government’s handling of dissent in Nigeria.
Observers warn that repeated crackdowns on peaceful protests could deepen public mistrust in government institutions and further inflame regional tensions.
Watch video of the protest here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y79fQxRtI4E
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