Tension as Sowore Collapses at Protest and Gets Emergency Care

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been taken to hospital after collapsing during a confrontation between police operatives and protesters at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.

The incident, which was reported to have happened during a Democracy Day protest on Friday against insecurity, economic hardship and what demonstrators say is poor governance.

The protest that drew activists and civil society groups was dispersed after security operatives shot teargas canisters to disperse the gathering, Vanguard quoted witnesses as saying.

Chaos erupted as protesters ran for cover in clouds of teargas, eyewitnesses said.

Sowore was said to have been affected by the fumes and later lost consciousness in the confusion.

Supporters and fellow activists rushed to his aid and evacuated him from the protest ground.

According to sources close to the activist, he regained consciousness while being transported away from the scene in a vehicle.

After the incident, Sowore was reportedly taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical examination and treatment.

The development added to the tension at the protest site that was attended by demonstrators who condemned the police action.

The protesters had come out to demand urgent action on rising insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges in the country.