. . . Police unleash tear gas canisters

The police on Wednesday fired a tear gas canister at the Lekki tollgate where celebrities and youths held a memorial car procession in Lagos State.

Scores of youths, including celebrities were participating in the parade amid the presence of armed security operatives before they were dispersed.

The procession, held in hounor of victims of police brutality, was organised to commemorate the one year anniversary of the #EndSARS protests that led to the disbandment of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.

As earlier as 8am, many of the young Nigerians filled up several cars and buses, blaring horns as they drove through the toll plaza.

As the event continued, the number of youths at the venue grew while others came down from their cars, chanting solidarity songs.

A drama also played out as an altercation ensued between members of the press and the security operatives after the journalists were harassed by the police at the venue.

Two persons were arrested by the police. One of them was picked up by armed security operatives while he was having a chat with reporters.

But the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Hakeem Odumosu, who was also at the venue, said the police did not disperse the youths taking part in the procession.

Rather, he stated that the security operatives fired tear gas to disperse those he described as miscreants at the venue.

Meanwhile, in Abuja, the nation’s capital, some EndSARS protesters took to the streets to commemorate the first anniversary of the protest.

The protesters converged on Unity Fountain, Abuja, before trooping to the streets.

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, was among those who addressed the protesters, who wielded placards within Unity Fountain.

Policemen were seen around the protesters who left the park and marched on the streets while heading to the National Assembly.

However, when they got in front of the Ministry of Justice, policemen formed a barricade and prevented them from marching further.

Chanting on top of their voices, the protesters demanded to be given the right of way but the security operatives stood their ground.

The police authorities had earlier warned against the protests over the widespread violence recorded last year. (Based on reports by Channels TV and Daily Trust)

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