The Nigerian Army has condemned in strongly terms the unprovoked attack on troops and patrol vehicles in a recent protest that occurred along Lafia-Makurdi highway in Nasarawa State.
A statement by the director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday, said 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.
The Army expressed utmost concern and disappointment at the actions of the protesters, who resorted to blocking the major highway, causing tortuous traffic gridlock to motorists and attacking troops’ patrol vehicles.
He said the 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 spokesman stated that the Nigerian Army recognises and respects the rights of citizens to express their grievances through peaceful protests.
He, however, said such protests must be conducted within the confines of the law, ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved.
Brig-Gen. Nwachukwu said: “the resort to violence, destruction of public property, and assault on security personnel is unacceptable and goes against the principles of peaceful protest.
“Our troops were deployed to maintain law and order, ensure the safety of all citizens, including the protesters and public infrastructure. They were operating under strict rules of engagement with the primary objective of preventing further escalation of violence and maintaining peace. The action of the protesters in pelting stones at troops and attacking patrol vehicles not only endangered the lives of our personnel but also undermined the peaceful nature of the protest.”
He, therefore, urged all individuals and groups involved in protests to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue.
He said: “resorting to violence only exacerbates the situation and hampers progress towards resolving any grievances. We call on community and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders to play their part in promoting peace and harmony in their communities.”
He further assured the general public that the Nigerian Army remains apolitical and committed to the protection and safety of all citizens.
“We will continue to work closely with other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the people of Nasarawa State and the nation as a whole. We will not tolerate any form of violence,” the Army spokesman added.
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