Protests: Truth Alliance Urges Youths To Avoid Terrorist Manipulation

The Truth Alliance, a coalition of civil society organisations dedicated to exposing the recruitment tactics of terrorist groups, has cautioned young people, especially in the North-East Region, to avoid being infiltrated by terrorist elements through violent protests.

This is as the organisation assessed the fallout of the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country, with Borno State experiencing terrorist bombing within the period.

The organisation, in a statement yesterday by its spokesperson, Mustapha Ahmed, advised against being lured by terrorist groups that use moments of unrest to recruit vulnerable individuals, encouraging them to join their ranks under the guise of revenge against the government.

Part of the statement read: “Protests have erupted across North-East Nigeria, with citizens in Borno and surrounding states taking to the streets to voice their anger over increasing hunger and dissatisfaction with governance. The demonstrations, which were part of a larger wave of unrest spreading across Africa, led to widespread violence and destruction in many parts of Nigeria.

“In Borno State, for example, the situation escalated as insurgents infiltrated the protests, leading to a bomb explosion in Kawuri Village that claimed 16 lives. The state’s governor attributed this violence to some groups exploiting the chaos to further their agenda. In response to the unrest, authorities have imposed a 24-hour curfew in Borno, Yobe, and Kano states, especially where private and public properties have been looted and vehicles set ablaze.

“The violence we are witnessing is a stark reminder of how quickly those with malicious intent can exploit situations,” the spokesperson for Truth Alliance stated. “We urge the youth in Borno and the North-East to reject violence and engage in peaceful demonstration or dialogue as It is crucial to understand the tactics used by terrorist groups to manipulate and recruit.”

The group noted that protests in Kano saw demonstrators storm and loot a Digital Innovation Park scheduled to open soon, according to Communication Minister Bosun Tijani. The unrest also spread to the capital city of Abuja, and the neighbouring Niger State, where police fired tear gas to disperse crowds as reports indicate, and at least six people have died.

Truth Alliance also stressed the importance of education and awareness in combating the influence of terrorist organisations. The coalition called for constructive engagement with community leaders, civil society organisations, and government representatives to address the underlying causes of the protests.