Nigeria, Oct. 2 -- The Forum of State Coordinators of the Obidient Movement has demanded the immediate release of Dr. Ben Smith, the group's Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, and other members reportedly detained following an Independence Day political gathering in Uyo.

In a statement on Friday, the coordinators condemned what they described as the use of force and tear gas by security personnel during the incident, alleging that some participants were subjected to molestation or other forms of mistreatment.

The statement followed reports of arrests during an Independence Day march involving supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo.

Reports have it that police arrested eight people during the incident and that tear gas was allege...