BREAKING: Sowore, others escape gunfire during #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja

Human rights activist and convener of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday morning narrowly escaped gunfire after security operatives reportedly opened fire at protesters near the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

It was gathered that a combined team of police and military officers had taken over the protest grounds as early as 7 a.m., cordoning off key access points around the city center.

In a viral video circulating on social media, Sowore was seen fleeing the scene along with other protesters amid gunshots as the demonstration turned chaotic.

The protesters had gathered to march towards Aso Rock Villa to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Nigeria Police Force had earlier issued a warning to the organizers, cautioning against holding any protest near the Presidential Villa, describing it as a “restricted area” that could threaten public peace and security.

Despite the warning, the activists insisted on proceeding with the march, accusing the government of unjustly detaining Kanu and suppressing citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed casualties, but the situation remains tense around the protest area, with heavy security presence still visible.