#TrackNigeria – A group of protesters believed to be Shiites on Thursday stormed the Eagle Square, Abuja throwing the area into confusion with fear-stricken workers scampering in various directions.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who was caught up in the confusion, reported that the situation obstructed traffic flow with motorists forced to either standstill or run into each other.
NAN also reports that the protesters blocked all major routes leading into the National Assembly, with the confusion getting even worse when security threw tear gas canisters in a bid to disperse the protesters.
The cause of the protest is still uncertain, but a Police source said that the protesters were members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
NAN reports that members of the group stormed the National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Monday, with some of them scaling its fence to force their ways in.
Reports had indicated that the protesters disarmed some Police personnel stationed at the gate of the complex, injuring some of them in the process.
A Police source has also confirmed that 40 members of the group were arrested after the Monday clash with security personnel, with some of them set to be arraigned. (NAN)
