Abuja has seen significant youth participation in the nationwide protests since its inception. However, the Nigerian government has replaced the fire in the hearts of these young protesters with fear. The MKO Abiola National Stadium, once a major gathering point for the demonstrators, has been abandoned after masked security operatives dispersed protesters and journalists with gunfire on Saturday. Some protesters fled into nearby bushes, with security operatives in pursuit. Reports indicate that a Premium Times reporter’s vehicle, carrying journalists away from the scene, was shot at multiple times while in motion.
The journalists targeted included those from The PUNCH, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette. This incident echoes the violence at the Lekki toll gate during the #EndSARS protests, where security forces fired on protesters, resulting in numerous fatalities that the nation still mourns.
While there have been no reported casualties from Saturday’s attack, it is disheartening that security operatives, believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS), are implicated. The DSS has faced repeated allegations of illegal arrests and detentions. In Saturday’s incident, freelance journalist Ayoola Babalola and several protesters were arrested.
Since the attack, the area around the stadium has remained deserted, with armored and patrol vehicles still stationed there, and security operatives maintaining an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among local residents.
