NAIJANEWS
Protesters gathered at Isaac Boro Park to voice opposition against the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, but were met with heavy police presence and subsequent clashes
On Monday morning, members of the ‘Take It Back Movement’ gathered at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt to protest the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. The demonstration was met with a heavy police presence, leading to confrontations that resulted in injuries to several individuals, including journalists.
An eyewitness recounted, “The police officers fired teargas and physically assaulted demonstrators, including members of the press.” Despite warnings from the police to disperse, protesters stood their ground, asserting, “Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people.”
The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) condemned the actions of the police, describing them as “despicable and reprehensible.” HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated, “We are worried that the Nigeria Police Force has over the years, become the enemies of democracy and freedoms.”
As of now, no official statements have been released by the Rivers State Police Command regarding the incident.