Civil society accuses security of violence against protesters

By Ologeh Joseph Chibu

A civil rights group has alleged that violence is being unleashed on protesters.

Thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets across the country to protest government policies considered largely as anti-people.

The Head, Coordinating Secretariat
United Action Front of Civil Society Olawale Okunniyi in a statement made available to Irohinoodua said violence has been visited
on peaceful protesters in Abuja, Lekki, Kaduna and other protest centres by security agents.

He said reports reaching the situation room of leadership of the United Action Front of Civil Society from monitors have it that the peaceful protest in Abuja have been disrupted by both pro government protesters and security agents.

He said the pro-government protesters 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 Coater Buses to Moshood Abiola Stadium to clash with citizens protesting against hunger

He said “the anti Hunger protesters sensing danger and 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 the Eagle 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.”

Okuniyi said as leaders, the group condemned strongly the resort to violence by the police in Abuja, Lekki, Kaduna and other centres in the country contrary to the assurances given by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun during the consultative meeting with him on Tuesday.

He said “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.”