Take it back protesters fired with teargas in Rivers, Abuja, FG backs demonstrations

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday morning fired teargas at the ‘Take It Back Movement’ protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Abuja.
The protesters were greeted by heavy police presence when they gathered at the protest venue as early as 9am.

The nation-wide demonstration, which kicked off on Monday, April 7, 2025, is aimed at drawing attention to the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, the worsening economic hardship in the country, and what organisers have described as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.

In Rivers, some of the protesters refused to be controlled by the police concerning the protest.

“Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” the young demonstrators told the policemen who warned them not to hold the protest.

Policemen gave the protesters a hot chase and beat up some of them including journalists reporting the event.

The protesters had earlier told the policemen that they had informed the police command of their intention to stage the demonstration in a letter dated April 3, 2025.

One of the protesters had told reporters that the “peaceful protest” was to express their grievances to the government. “We are not here for violence,” he said.

In the Maitama area of Abuja Security operatives fired tear gas at protesters.

The nationwide demonstration on Monday coincided with the National Police Day celebrations held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

In anticipation of the official event, which was attended by top-ranking police officials and government dignitaries, security forces had cordoned off parts of the Three Arms Zone, restricting access around key government buildings.

Undeterred, demonstrators including human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore gathered displaying placards with bold inscriptions like “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government said that it supports the rights of Nigerians, especially the youth, to protest peacefully and express their concerns.

Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, made this known in statement in Abuja on Monday, acknowledging that the young people protesting have valid reasons to speak out.

He added that if he had the time, he would join them himself.

However, he warned that protests must not lead to violence or the destruction of public property.

According to him, while it’s okay to protest and make your voice heard, people should avoid actions like blocking roads or damaging infrastructure that supports the country’s progress.

“There’s freedom of expression,” Olawande said, adding, “Protests are normal in any society. But they must be peaceful and responsible. We won’t tolerate any destruction of national assets.”

He encouraged protesters to explore calm and orderly ways to express their views, assuring them that the government is open to listening.