Rivers State Police used tear gas to break up a #TakeItBack protest in Port Harcourt. Demonstrators, marching against perceived issues, were met with force
Police in Port Harcourt used tear gas to disperse #TakeItBack demonstrators. The protest, organised against perceived injustices, faced strong resistance from Rivers State Command officers.
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A planned #TakeItBack protest in Port Harcourt descended into chaos as officers from the Rivers State Police Command deployed tear gas in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators.
Organisers and supporters of the Take It Back Movement, alongside members of Civil Society Organisations and the Niger Delta Congress, had convened at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.
However, their assembly was met with immediate resistance from operatives of the Rivers State Police Command.
The police officers reportedly instructed the protesters to relocate to an alternative venue. Undeterred by this directive, the protesters commenced singing solidarity songs and began their march within the confines of the park, subsequently proceeding outside towards the busy Aba Express Road.
As the procession of protesters reached the CFC junction, they were once again intercepted by armed anti-riot policemen. The officers issued a direct order for the protesters to vacate the street, a command which was once again defied by the demonstrators.
In response to this defiance, the policemen immediately fired tear gas canisters into the crowd. This action caused the various protesting groups to scatter in disarray, seeking safety from the irritant fumes.
