Security forces on Saturday opened fire on peaceful protesters and journalists at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, forcing them to scatter. Both groups sought cover as shots were fired their way.
As reported by Punch, the protesters had gathered again after initially being dispersed by security personnel at the stadium. Suddenly, masked officers believed to be from the Department of State Services, highlighted from convoys of about six Sienna vehicles, began firing indiscriminately at the crowd.
This caused the protesters to flee into the nearby bushes, with some security operatives in pursuit. Afterwards, the remaining masked officers turned their attention to the journalists who were stationed nearby. As they advanced, journalists scrambled to escape, finding refuge in any vehicle they could.
The masked security operatives continued to fire at the journalists. Peoples Gazette reported that a deep blue Toyota Corolla carrying their reporters and those from Premium Times was struck by three live bullets.
It also reported that the rear windshield of another Toyota Sienna, which was transporting journalists from The Punch and The Cable, was shattered.
Bullets also shattered the glass of a commuter vehicle. Before the shooting began, police had ordered the protesters to leave the Federal Capital Territory.
However, organisers have declared that the protests, which started on August 1, will persist until August 10. The demonstrations are a response to the increasing hardships caused by President Bola Tinubu’s policies.
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