By Opeyemi and George
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was reportedly hospitalised after collapsing during a Democracy Day protest at Unity Fountain in Abuja following a confrontation between demonstrators and security operatives.
The protest, organised by civil society groups and activists to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, drew scores of participants who gathered to express concerns over rising insecurity, worsening economic hardship and what they described as poor governance across the country.
Witnesses at the scene said police officers moved to disperse the protesters and fired tear gas canisters into the crowd, creating panic as demonstrators scrambled for safety amid thick smoke.
According to accounts from fellow activists and supporters, Sowore was affected by the tear gas during the operation and subsequently lost consciousness. He was immediately assisted by colleagues and evacuated from the protest venue.
Sources close to the activist disclosed that he regained consciousness while being transported from the scene before being taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes at the protest ground as participants fled the area following the deployment of crowd-control measures by security personnel.
While some reports claimed Sowore sustained injuries during the confrontation, there has been no independent official confirmation that he was shot or struck by live ammunition. The exact circumstances surrounding his reported injuries remain unclear.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions from civil society organisations and pro-democracy advocates, many of whom condemned the use of force against peaceful demonstrators and called for a transparent investigation into the events.
The protesters maintained that they were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, while urging the government to address growing concerns over insecurity, inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor other relevant authorities had issued a detailed statement regarding the circumstances that led to Sowore’s collapse and hospitalisation.
The development has renewed debate over citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and the conduct of security agencies on a day dedicated to celebrating Nigeria’s democratic journey.
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