Amnesty slams Abuja protest crackdown, says Sowore hospitalised

Amnesty International has condemned what it described as a “reckless attack on peaceful protesters” during a Democracy Day demonstration in Abuja, where activist and African Action Congress 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly collapsed after security operatives allegedly fired teargas.

In a statement released on Friday, the rights organisation said Sowore was “subsequently taken to a hospital” following the incident at Unity Fountain, Abuja, and called for an immediate investigation into what it described as his “deliberate targeting.”

“The Nigerian authorities are clearly using violence to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the statement said.

Amnesty International also warned that targeting activists for participating in peaceful demonstrations amounted to unlawful conduct and a breach of fundamental rights.

“Such targeting of activists solely for exercising freedom of assembly is unlawful and shows utter disregard for the rule of law,” it said.

The organisation further accused the authorities of failing to demonstrate commitment to constitutional and international human rights obligations, alleging a continued crackdown on civic freedoms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sowore’s collapse reportedly occurred during a protest in Abuja where security operatives allegedly dispersed demonstrators with teargas in front of the Force Headquarters.

Videos shared online showed him on the ground amid confusion as protesters attempted to assist him.

The protest was part of a nationwide mobilisation by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements, which had declared June 12 a day of mass action over insecurity, economic hardship and worsening living conditions. (Punch)