Some of the protesters. | Photo: Nigerian Army
‘Nigerian Army recognizes and respects the rights of citizens to express their grievances through peaceful protests’
By Valentine Amanze
The Nigerian Army has condemned the attack on troops and patrol vehicles by protesters along Lafia-Makurdi road in Nasarawa State.
It stated that the protesters blocked the major highway in response to the outcome of the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the gubernatorial election in the state.
In a statement issued by the
Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army stated that it was disappointment by the actions of the protesters, whom it stated, resorted to blocking the major highway, causing tortuous traffic gridlock to motorists and attacking troops’ patrol vehicles.
“Sadly, this same set of protesters who attacked patrol vehicles conveying troops on legitimate duty, have turned around to spuriously allege that troops’ convoy rammed into the protesters.
“It is on record from available video footage and visual images of the protest, that troops conducted the crowd dispersal professionally by ensuring the safety of citizens and protecting public infrastructure,” the army stated.
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It further stated that the Nigerian Army recognizes and respects the rights of citizens to express their grievances through peaceful protests, stressing that such protests must be conducted within the confines of the law, ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved.
It however warned protesters against resort to violence, destruction of public property, and assault on security personnel.
The army also called on community and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders to play their part in promoting peace and harmony in their communities.
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