National President of Niger Delta Congress and Take It Back Leader Shot at by Police During Rivers State Protest
The protest, organized by the Take It Back Movement in collaboration with the NDC, was aimed at raising concerns over rising economic hardship and governance issues under the current administration. Activists and civil society groups gathered to voice their frustrations over the state of the nation, particularly the Niger Delta region, which has faced economic challenges despite its critical role in the country’s oil production.
According to eyewitnesses at the scene, the protest began peacefully, with demonstrators holding placards and chanting slogans demanding a better standard of living, more transparency in governance, and an end to alleged marginalization in the region. However, tensions escalated when the Nigerian Police arrived at the protest site in large numbers, attempting to disperse the crowd.
Sources claim that both leaders of the protest – National President of the Niger Delta Congress and the leader of the Take It Back Movement – were shot at by the police as they attempted to engage in a peaceful dialogue with law enforcement. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation turned violent after the protesters refused to disperse, with some alleging that the police used live ammunition.
The two leaders, who were reportedly struck during the exchange, were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Their current condition remains uncertain, but initial reports suggest that the injuries may not be life-threatening.
The use of live ammunition by the police has raised serious concerns and condemnation from human rights groups, with many questioning the appropriateness of such force during a peaceful protest. "This is a clear violation of the protesters' rights to peacefully assemble and express their grievances. We are calling for a full investigation into this incident," said a spokesperson for one of the advocacy groups monitoring the situation.
Rivers State residents have expressed shock over the incident, with many taking to social media to condemn the police's actions. "How can the police shoot at peaceful protesters? This is an attack on our right to protest and demand better governance. We will not be silenced," one local resident commented online.
The Rivers State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, the police have faced growing scrutiny in recent months over their handling of protests, with many accusing security forces of excessive use of force.
The Take It Back Movement and the Niger Delta Congress have vowed to continue pushing for justice and reform despite the violence that marred today’s protest. “We will not be intimidated by such acts of aggression. We stand for the rights of the people, and we will continue to demand accountability from the government,” one of the leaders of the protest said in a post-protest statement.
As the situation continues to develop, calls for accountability and transparency are growing, with activists, local leaders, and citizens alike demanding justice for those injured and for a fair investigation into the use of force by the police. The incident in Rivers State is expected to further fuel the ongoing debate about police brutality and the right to protest in Nigeria.
The National President of the NDC and the Take It Back Movement leader’s recovery is being closely monitored, and their supporters are rallying behind them, calling for their safe return and an end to such violent crackdowns on peaceful protests.
