The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that its operatives fired live bullets at protesters in Abuja during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration led by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore on Monday.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said it was only teargas that was fired.
He added that people who are not familiar with the sound can mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition as both make the same popping, explosion-like sound.
Hundeyin, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, added that the Police only fired tear gas after the protesters refused to leave the areas where the court had already prohibited their demonstrations.
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“I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition.
“It is easy for people who are not familiar with the sound to mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition. It makes the same popping, explosion-like sound. I can say it on good authority that no live ammunition was shot.
“We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order. We gave enough warning to these people to step back and not go beyond where they were, but they were adamant and they were approaching these areas,” he said.
The Force PRO added that the officers acted within the provisions of the law and established procedures to ensure public safety.
“We just conformed to standard operating procedures and we decided to use minimal force — force that is commensurate with the resistance we were getting,” he added.
Naija News reports the Monday protest in Abuja was led by Sowore to demand the release of the deatined leader of the Indiginous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
During the protest, the former presidential candidate accused the Police Force and other security agencies of unprovoked attack and shooting on protesters.
In a viral video online, Sowore could be seen running for his life, alongside other protesters.
However, the Police has insited that the sounds were from from tear gas canisters, not live bullets.
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