By Ghazali Ibrahim
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was rushed to the hospital after collapsing during a confrontation between police operatives and demonstrators at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
The incident was reported to have caused by police firing teargas at close range towaeds the protesters.
The incident occurred on Friday during a Democracy Day protest organized to voice concerns over rising insecurity, economic hardship, and what participants described as poor governance. The demonstration attracted activists, civil society groups, and members of the public.
Eyewitnesses reported that security operatives deployed teargas canisters to disperse the gathering, triggering chaos as protesters scrambled for safety. Sowore was reportedly affected by the teargas and lost consciousness amid the confusion. Supporters and fellow activists quickly assisted him and evacuated him from the protest site.
Sources close to the activist confirmed that Sowore regained consciousness while being moved away from the scene and was subsequently taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical examination and treatment.
The incident escalated tensions at the protest, with demonstrators condemning the police response and reiterating calls for urgent action on national security, economic challenges, and governance reforms.
