By Lami Ibrahim
There was pandemonium on Tuesday as heavily armed police officers allegedly fired teargas canisters into a meeting room of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja while top leaders of the party were addressing journalists.
The incident reportedly occurred at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, where the National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, were briefing the media on urgent internal matters affecting the party.
Eyewitnesses say the press briefing was abruptly thrown into chaos after multiple teargas canisters were discharged, forcing party officials, journalists, and supporters to scamper for safety.
Several people were seen coughing and struggling to breathe, while others sustained minor injuries during the stampede that followed.
Party officials described the action as “a direct attack on democracy and freedom of association”, accusing security agencies of operating under political instructions aimed at destabilizing the opposition party.
“We were addressing the nation peacefully when the police stormed the premises and started releasing teargas. This is unacceptable in a democratic setting,” a visibly shaken PDP official said after the crowd was evacuated.
As at the time of filing this report, the reason for the police intervention remained unclear, and the PDP leadership is expected to issue a formal statement.
Journalists and media workers who were present at the secretariat have also condemned the incident, calling for an independent investigation.
More details shortly…
Watch Video Here:
