Confusion may have gripped the South-East region over today’s proposed national protest for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
To this end, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared all correctional centres red zones, reports The Guardian.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cautioned protesters to desist from vandalising Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the territory during today’s protests.
Although the peaceful protest being led by Omoyole Sowore’s #RevolutionNow movement is planned for Abuja, rumours are already creating some uncertainty in the South-East.
While it is being discussed in public places that businesses and offices should remain under lock and key, some schools have already asked their students to remain at home during the exercise.
Even as no group has called for a sit-at-home in the region, those who peddle the “no movement order” rumour explained that it is in “solidarity with the peaceful protest”.
Meanwhile, the Police in Anambra State have conducted a security situational assessment following credible intelligence about a planned protest in some parts of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, said the assessment revealed that residents had embraced dialogue and peaceful engagement as a means of addressing concerns, rather than indulging in unpatriotic actions such as protests, illegal sit-at-home orders, or any form of civil disturbance that would disrupt public peace and socio-economic activities.
The Service emphasised that “correctional centres are restricted areas,” urging the public to avoid the facilities unless they have official business.
It stated, “Anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incident or security breach.” The agency also called on citizens to “exercise caution and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for everyone.”
The statement also highlighted the importance of respecting restricted areas, urging the public to adhere to these guidelines during the upcoming protests.
In a statement yesterday, in Abuja, NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, advised members of the public to stay away from correctional facilities, describing them as restricted areas.
During an interview with journalists yesterday, in Abuja, the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, called on citizens, in support or against the planned rallies, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.
“The corps will not condone any form of vandalism or theft of public and private facilities, all in the name of protest,” he said.
He said the Corps had massively deployed officers and men to protect all CNAI, as well as ensure the protection of residents across the FCT before, during and after the protests.
