1 month ago
12 ARTICLE AD
The Deserted National Stadium. Photo Credit: Solomon Odeniyi
The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, has been deserted after security agents deployed to the facility dispersed protesters and journalists with gunfire on Saturday.
Masked security operatives, suspected to be personnel of the Department of State Services, had fired shots sporadically at the protesters.
Some of the protesters ran into bushes around the stadium, with some security operatives giving chase.
The Deserted National Stadium. Photo Credit: Solomon Odeniyi
A Premium Times reporter’s vehicle, conveying journalists out of the scene, was shot at several times while in motion.
Journalists inside the car shot at by security agents included those from The PUNCH, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette.
During the incident, a freelance journalist, Ayoola Babalola, and some other protesters were arrested.
However, unlike in the past, when protesters would regroup after being dispersed with teargas, this time, the protesters did not.
When our correspondent toured the area to see if the protesters had reconvened, armoured and patrol vehicles were still stationed at the stadium, with security operatives inside.
Additionally, it was observed that the usually busy road had only a few vehicles passing through the area.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
