Security operatives dispersed protesters in Karu, Abuja, on August 5, 2024, arresting three individuals. Police used teargas to manage the situation. The nationwide protests have led to deserted government offices, with heightened security in the FCT to prevent further unrest.
Security operatives in the Karu area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) successfully dispersed a group of protesters on August 5, 2024. The protesters had begun gathering when security agents intervened and arrested three individuals.
Eyewitness Ibrahim Sani described the scene, noting that the police used teargas to disperse the crowd before making arrests. "I was shocked when I saw some people gathering at Karu. I thought the gathering was supposed to be in town. The police came and dispersed the protesters with tear gas. They arrested about three people that I saw," Sani reported.
The heightened security presence in the nation’s capital is part of efforts to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Despite the increased vehicular movement due to the ongoing nationwide protests, government offices remained largely deserted. Observations indicated that while the Federal Secretariat in Abuja was open, the number of officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) present was significantly reduced.
This reduction in attendance is likely due to concerns that the protests might escalate and lead to further confrontations with security forces. In a related incident, security personnel also fired teargas at protesters at the Moshood Abiola Stadium to prevent them from moving into the town.
These actions reflect the government's measures to maintain order amidst the protests, ensuring that any gatherings are swiftly addressed to avoid potential disruptions in the capital.