ABUJA — Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations on Thursday were overshadowed by a wave of protests in the Federal Capital Territory as human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, joined members of the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups in a mass demonstration against worsening insecurity, killings and abductions across the country.
The protesters, who converged on major parts of Abuja carrying placards and banners, accused the Federal Government of failing to protect lives and property despite repeated assurances on security. Many of the demonstrators chanted slogans demanding urgent action from President Bola Tinubu, insisting that Nigerians were growing increasingly frustrated by persistent violence, kidnappings and economic hardship.
“Stop the killings. Bring back our children. Nigerians deserve to live in peace and safety,” read some of the placards displayed during the protest.
Addressing the crowd, Sowore said Democracy Day should not merely be a celebration of electoral governance but a moment of reflection on the state of the nation. He argued that democracy loses its meaning when citizens continue to live under the shadow of fear, insecurity and poverty.
The protesters expressed concern over recurring attacks by armed groups in several parts of the country, particularly in communities affected by banditry, terrorism and mass abductions. They urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, secure vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable.
Security operatives monitored the demonstration as protesters marched through designated routes within the capital city. Despite heightened tensions, the protest remained largely peaceful, with participants calling for accountability, justice and stronger measures to safeguard citizens.
The demonstration formed part of nationwide Democracy Day activities by civic groups seeking to draw attention to what they described as the growing disconnect between democratic ideals and the realities faced by millions of Nigerians.
As the nation marked another year of democratic rule, the protesters maintained that the true measure of democracy lies not in ceremonies and speeches, but in the government’s ability to guarantee security, protect fundamental rights and improve the welfare of its citizens.