Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was reportedly taken to a hospital on Friday after collapsing during a protest in Abuja over the country’s worsening security challenges.
According to reports, Sowore fell to the ground and struggled to breathe after security operatives allegedly fired teargas to disperse demonstrators gathered to protest the recent wave of attacks and killings across Nigeria.
The protest, which was organised to draw attention to the growing insecurity in various parts of the country, reportedly began peacefully before tensions escalated when police officers moved to prevent protesters from advancing beyond a designated area.
Eyewitnesses said panic erupted after teargas canisters were deployed, forcing many demonstrators to flee the scene. Sowore, who was among the leaders of the protest, was said to have been severely affected by the fumes.
“He collapsed shortly after the teargas was released. Those around him quickly came to his aid before he was taken away for medical treatment,” a witness told reporters.
Videos circulating online showed a tense standoff between protesters and security personnel, with some demonstrators confronting officers while others sought safety amid the confusion.
As of the time of filing this report, Sowore’s condition had not been officially confirmed. The police had also yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
The development comes against the backdrop of increasing public concern over Nigeria’s security situation, with civil society groups and citizens urging the Federal Government to take stronger measures to safeguard lives and property nationwide.
