•Police teargas
The Organised Civil Society has condemned the Nigeria Police for tear-gassing peaceful protesters today in the nationwide demonstration against hardship in the country.
In a statement signed by the Head, Coordinating Secretariat of the United Action Front of Civil Society, Comrade Olawale Okunniyi (Veteran Che), and made available to The Frontier today, the society condemned the “mayhem unleashed on peaceful protesters in Abuja, Lekki, Kaduna and other protest centres by security agents”.
“Report reaching the situation room of leadership of the United Action Front of Civil Society from our monitors has it that the peaceful protest in Abuja has 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 Coater Buses to Moshood Abiola Stadium to clash with citizens protesting against hunger,” said Okunniyi.
Continuing he said, “The anti-hunger protesters sensing danger and possible violent clash, decided to quietly move in a 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.
“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 degenerates beyond control”.
