The protest, led by young people, began on Thursday across the country to demand action against economic hardship.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The United Action Front of Civil Society has condemned the violent disruption of the nationwide protest against bad governance by security forces.
The protest, led by young people, began on Thursday across the country to demand action against economic hardship.
However, security operatives reportedly used teargas to disperse protesters in several states, including Yobe, Lagos, Borno, Gombe, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In a statement released on Thursday, Olawale Okunniyi, head of the coordinating secretariat of the organisation, expressed concerns over the violent escalation of events during the protest.
The statement titled: “Organised Civil Society Condemns Mayhem Unleashed on Peaceful Protesters in Abuja, Lekki, Kaduna and other Protest Centres by Security Agents,” partly read: “Report reaching the situation room of leadership of the United Action Front of Civil Society from our monitors have it that the peaceful protest in Abuja have been disrupted by both pro-government protesters and security agents, who first forced citizens protesting hardship and sufferings in Nigeria out of Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Venue designated by government for the anti hunger protesters when security agents led pro-government protesters in about 15 coaster buses to Moshood Abiola Stadium to clash with citizens protesting against hunger.
“The anti-hunger protesters sensing danger and possible violent clash, decided to quietly move in peaceful procession to the Eagle’s Square, where they had earlier designated to hold their peaceful protest.
“On getting to the Eagle’s Square, security agents swooped on them and unleashed mayhem on peaceful Protesters with tear gas cannisters, injuring several unarmed and defenceless protesters with three protesters reported to have fainted.
“As leaders and conscience of our country, we condemn 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 degenerate beyond control,” Okunniyi stated.
