Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command on Monday morning fired teargas at protesters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Organisers and supporters of the Take It Back Movement, along with members of various Civil Society Organisations and the Niger Delta Congress, had gathered at Isaac Boro Park to stage a peaceful protest.
However, upon arrival, they were met with resistance from operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, who instructed them to relocate to another venue.
Despite the warning, the protesters remained undeterred. They began chanting solidarity songs and proceeded to march through the park, eventually making their way toward the popular Aba Express Road.
Upon reaching the CFC junction, the protesters were again intercepted by armed anti-riot police officers, who ordered them to vacate the street. The protesters defied the order, prompting the police to fire tear gas canisters.
The sudden action forced the crowd to scatter, as demonstrators ran for safety in different directions.
More details to follow…