‘It’s unacceptable’ — CSO kicks against disruption of protest by security personnel

The United Action Front of Civil Society, a civil society organisation (CSO), has reacted to the “violent disruption” of the protest against bad governance in many parts of the country by security operatives.

A youth-led nationwide protest against economic hardship kicked off across the country on Thursday.

However, there have been reports that security operatives dispersed protesters with tear gas canisters in states like Yobe, Lagos, Borno, Gombe, and the federal capital territory (FCT).

In a statement on Thursday, Olawale Okunniyi, head of the coordinating secretariat of the CSO, expressed worry over the violent turnout of events during the protest.

Okunniyi said three people fainted after security operatives aimed teargas at peaceful protesters in Abuja.

He called on Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to caution the operatives to forestall further crises in the country.

“Report reaching the situation room of leadership of the United Action Front of Civil Society from our monitors has it that the peaceful protests in Abuja have been disrupted by both pro-government protesters and security agents—who first forced citizens protesting hardship and suffering in Nigeria out of Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, a venue designated by the government for the anti-hunger protesters, when security agents led pro-government protesters in about 15 Coater buses to Moshood Abiola Stadium to clash with citizens protesting against hunger,” the statement reads.

“The anti-hunger protesters, sensing danger and a possible violent clash, decided to quietly move in peaceful procession to the Eagle Square, where they had earlier designated to hold their peaceful protest.

“On getting to Eagle Square, security agents swooped on them and unleashed mayhem on peaceful protesters with tear gas cannisters, injuring several unarmed and defenseless protesters, with three protesters reported to have fainted.

“As leaders and consciences of our country, we condemned strongly this resort to violence by the police in Abuja, Lekki, Kaduna, and other centres in the country, contrary to the assurances given to us by the inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, during our consultative meeting with him on Tuesday.

“We find this show of force and reckless use of force unacceptable and barbaric and therefore call on the IGP to immediately call his men to order before the situation degenerates beyond control.”