A peaceful demonstration by the #Take-It-Back movement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was disrupted on Monday after police officers from the state command fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Protesters, including members of the Take It Back Movement, civil society organisations, and the Niger Delta Congress, had converged at Isaac Boro Park to kick off the protest. However, their presence was immediately challenged by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, who directed them to vacate the venue.
Undeterred, the demonstrators began chanting solidarity songs and proceeded to march through the park, heading toward Aba Express Road.
Upon reaching CFC Junction, the group was again confronted by heavily armed anti-riot police officers who ordered them to leave the street. When the protesters refused, the officers responded by firing tear gas canisters into the crowd.
The sudden attack caused chaos as protesters scattered in various directions, seeking safety from the choking gas.
As of the time of this report, there are no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests, but tensions remain high in the area.
