Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been rushed to an undisclosed hospital after collapsing during a protest in Abuja on Friday.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the activist suddenly dropped to the ground and began gasping for air after police officers fired teargas to disperse protesters.
The protest was said to have been organised over the worsening security situation in the country, following a series of attacks and killings recorded in different parts of Nigeria in recent weeks.
Eyewitnesses said the protest, which began peacefully, turned chaotic after security operatives moved in to stop the demonstrators from advancing beyond a restricted area.
According to sources at the scene, several protesters scampered for safety as canisters of teargas were fired, while Sowore, who was among those leading the protest, appeared to have been badly 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,” one source said.
Videos seen by this newspaper showed a tense atmosphere at the protest ground as protesters confronted security operatives, while others were seen fleeing the area.
Sowore’s current condition could not be immediately confirmed as of the time of filing this report. The police have also not issued an official statement on the incident.
The development comes amid growing public concern over rising insecurity across the country, with citizens and civil society groups calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action to protect lives and property.
