October1Protests: Police reacts to news they attack protesters in FCT

• FCT Police reacts to news that they attack protesters in Abuja as October1Protests hits major cities
• Sowore, other prominent Nigerians join protesters in Lagos

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is trying to clear itself of people’s condemnation as heavy protests hit Abuja today.

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In a press statement signed by SP Josephine Adeh, the Command’s PRO, it said the police didn’t attack protesters.

Labeling the news as “false and misleading,” Adeh said the police officers were only trying to enforce public safety measure at Utako Market in Abuja.

“As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening,” the statement read in part.

Police was reacting to early report that they harassed protesters in Abuja.

Earlier today, major cities across Nigeria – Abuja, Lagos – were embroidered in serious protests as Nigerians took to the streets to express their grievances on the country’s 64 Independence Day.

October1Protests: Sowore joins protesters in Lagos

As the protests took hold of all major cities in Nigeria, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has joined others in Lagos.

One of the key organisers, Sowore told newsmen that today’s protest was symbolic, citing how unfair the leaders have been to the citizens.

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“Have we not tried enough? We have no time left. We gave more time, look at what Buhari did with more time.

“We gave them more time they bought themselves a private jet, we gave them more time, they bought a new house, they increased fuel price. We gave him more time they put us in darkness.

“We gave them more time they gave us minimum wage and gave themselves a maximum wage.

“Let them resign, that is how we will know they actually understand how people feel this time around,” the activist said.