Police clash with protesters during anti-government demonstrations in Abuja and Lagos August 5
Category: Unrest
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
08/05/2020 (Nigeria) - Security forces arrested at least 60 people in Abuja and fired tear gas at protesters in Lagos as a series of anti-government protests were held in urban centers across Nigeria on Wednesday, August 5. The protests were held to mark a year since the first demonstrations by the #RevolutionNow movement, which calls for better governance and denounces the legitimacy of last year's election. In the capital, military and police personnel clamped down on what were allegedly largely peaceful protests, while in Lagos, protesters were dispersed by tear gas in the Ikeja area.
A heightened security presence is to be expected in urban centers and further clashes cannot be ruled out in the coming hours.
Context
The #RevolutionNow movement was founded by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in 2019. Sowore called for a revolution, claiming President Muhammadu Buhari's election victory was not credible. Sowore has since been charged with treason, money-laundering, and other charges; however, protests supporting his cause have continued in cities across Nigeria over the past twelve months.
Those in urban centers across Nigeria are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.