Business owners and traders in Utako District, Abuja, were thrown into panic on Monday as police and soldiers fired live bullets and teargas into several plazas while dispersing protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The incident occurred when protesters, who had earlier been dispersed from the city centre, regrouped around Chida Hotel in Utako.

Security operatives quickly moved in, firing teargas and gunshots into the air.

The situation forced shop owners and customers in nearby plazas to scamper for safety.
Shops, offices, and business outlets in the area were hurriedly shut down as the air became thick with teargas.Some traders and passersby sustained minor injuries while trying to flee.

One of the shop owners, identified simply as Ameobi, who spoke to The Guardian, described the situation as terrifying.

“We are not protesters. We were just inside our shops when police started firing live bullets and teargas into the plaza. I don’t know why they are disturbing us. Many people locked their shops and ran away,” he said.

Many business owners in the affected plazas remained indoors long after the shooting stopped, while others stayed away entirely as security patrols continued around the Utako axis.

A female protester who spoke to The Guardian pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene and order Kanu’s release.

“We are not protesting against the government but against some Southeast leaders who are delaying his release,” she said.

Earlier in the day, heavy security had been deployed to major entry routes into Abuja, including the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, Airport Road, and Dutse–Bwari Road, following the planned#FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration convened by activist Omoyele Sowore.

As of the time of filing this report, calm had yet to fully return to the Utako area, with armed personnel still stationed at strategic points.