By Tochukwu Ifejika
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has issued a stern warning against violence and criminal activity during the planned nationwide protest against general hardship, slated August 1.
While briefing the press, Obono stated that the police would only protect peaceful protesters, noting that protests have historically failed to solve problems.
” Truth be told, we all know that throughout history protests in Nigeria have failed to solve problems,” he stated.
He said faceless persons would not be allowed to protest in any form or manner, stating that he had made it clear that protesters on that occasion must identify themselves.
“The command is not against protest but will not condone faceless or unidentified person’s to protest and later claim it was hijacked. Let anyone who wants to stage any protest come and register and tell us the routes to take then will be able to monitor and protect the protest to avoid hijack,” he reiterated.
Obono paraded various criminals, including kidnappers and alleged Eastern Security Network (ESN) members, and showcased arms and locally made bombs used by the hoodlums, in what looked a harvest of criminals.
The parade was a display of the command’s efforts to curb criminal activity in the state.
The commissioner warned against spreading misinformation and disinformation, urging the public to report criminal issues to the police.
He thanked the people of Anambra State for providing useful information that had led to the arrest of some hoodlums.
In the same vein, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security has warned that the planned protests in Nigeria may be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives.
A threat and risk assessment finding dated July 19 expressed concerns about the possibility of violence, citing past instances where similar protests in Nigeria escalated, including: Violent protests in the South-East and South-South regions in February 2023; vandalism of bank branches and ATM points; blocking of major roads
The UN warning highlights the potential risks associated with the planned protests and the need for caution and vigilance.
