Police operatives in Rivers State clamped down on a peaceful demonstration early Monday at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt, dispersing protesters with teargas.
The demonstrators, members of the ‘Take It Back Movement,’ had assembled around 9 a.m. to express their concerns over unspecified issues.
However, their efforts were quickly met with a heavy police presence that aimed to prevent the gathering from taking place.
Despite police warnings, the protesters stood their ground, insisting on their right to assemble in their own state.
“No one has the authority to stop us. We are Nigerian and have the right to peaceful protest,” some of them declared.
The officers responded by releasing tear gas into the crowd, forcing them to flee.