The memorial concert and candlelight procession for Nigerian artist Mohbad took a tumultuous turn when police officers disrupted the peaceful gathering with teargas. The event, held on Thursday, September 21st at Lekki Phase 1 and later at Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, was organized to honour the late musician. Unfortunately, what began as a serene and respectful event quickly descended into chaos.
The candlelight procession commenced in the evening at Lekki Phase 1, with mourners gathering to pay their respects. The memorial itself began at approximately 8 PM at Muri Okunola Park. As the night progressed, the atmosphere remained somber and reflective, with attendees sharing memories and expressing their grief. However, by around 11 PM, police officers intervened, forcibly dispersing the crowd with teargas. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic, with people seen running and crying as they sought safety from the choking fumes.
The police presence at the event was initially intended to maintain order. However, their decision to use teargas has been widely criticized. According to reports, the police had previously instructed the crowd to leave the premises, but when these instructions were not adhered to promptly, they resorted to more drastic measures. The decision to deploy teargas has raised significant concerns about the handling of peaceful gatherings and the rights of citizens to assemble.
The chaotic dispersal of the crowd was heavily documented on social media. Photos and videos from the scene showed a thick cloud of teargas smoke enveloping the area, with people scrambling to escape. The incident has ignited widespread outrage, with many condemning the police's actions as excessive and unjustified. Social media platforms were flooded with posts expressing solidarity with the attendees and calling for accountability.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern in Nigeria where law enforcement agencies often resort to heavy-handed tactics to manage crowds. The frequent use of force in peaceful protests undermines citizens' rights and fosters a climate of fear and distrust. The Mohbad memorial was meant to be a time of mourning and remembrance, but it instead highlighted the ongoing issues with police conduct in the country.
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