Operatives of the Ebonyi State Command of the Nigerian Police have teargassed supporters of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
The supporters who were embarking on the popular #1millionmarch in support of the presidential ambition of the former Anambra State Governor were attacked with teargas cannisters by the police in Abakiliki, the state capital on Saturday morning.
Videos posted online showed the supporters coughing due to the effects of the teargas.
A similar march was attacked in August by hoodlums said to be Ebubeagu operatives, a state government-funded vigilante group.
Dave Umahi, the governor of the state doubles as the South East coordinator of the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential campaign.
Though he had in the past expressed mixed feelings over the rising profile and acceptability of Mr Obi by the youths, it is not immediately clear if the directive to attack the marchers came from him.
Attempts to speak to the public relations officer of the state command, Mr Chris Anyanwụ proved abortive as he did not respond to calls and text messages to his phone.
