In Rivers State, a protest by local government workers turned tense as police intervened, reportedly firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. The demonstration, organized to raise awareness about alleged unpaid salaries and poor working conditions, saw a significant turnout of workers seeking governmental response. However, the situation escalated when law enforcement attempted to control the gathering, deploying tear gas in an attempt to restore order.
Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as protesters scrambled to escape the effects of the tear gas. Many were seen helping others to safety, while a number of demonstrators suffered injuries due to the heavy gas exposure. Medical personnel were called to the scene to provide immediate care, and local hospitals received several injured protesters for further treatment. The exact number of those affected remains unclear, but activists have claimed that the police response was excessive.
Human rights groups have since condemned the police’s handling of the protest, calling for accountability and restraint. Local officials have yet to release a statement, while protest organizers insist they will continue their efforts until the government addresses their grievances. The incident has sparked broader concerns about the use of force in civil demonstrations and highlighted growing tensions between public servants and authorities in Rivers State.
