Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly collapsed during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
The incident occurred on Friday at the Unity Fountain and Eagle Square axis, where civil society groups had gathered to protest worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and poor governance.
Tension escalated when security operatives moved in to disperse the crowd, firing tear gas canisters that sent protesters fleeing in different directions amid thick smoke.
As the situation turned chaotic, Sowore was said to have collapsed while attempting to escape the fumes. He was quickly assisted by fellow demonstrators, who carried him away from the scene and placed him in a vehicle for emergency medical attention.
In a video from the protest, he was seen lying semi-conscious on the pavement as others fanned him and tried to revive him before evacuating him from the area.
Clips shared online showed scenes of confusion, with smoke filling the air, crowds scattering, placards demanding “RESCUE THE ABDUCTED CHILDREN NOW,” and security personnel advancing on the protesters.
As of Friday afternoon, his exact condition remained unclear, although some reports suggested he may have regained consciousness while being taken to hospital.
No fatalities were recorded, but several protesters were said to have experienced breathing difficulties due to the tear gas.
The police had yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.
Civil society groups have since condemned the dispersal, describing it as heavy-handed and warning against the excessive use of tear gas on peaceful demonstrators.