The Nigerian Army has strongly condemned an attack on its personnel and patrol vehicles in a recent protest that occurred along Lafia-Makurdi Road in Nasarawa State.
DAILY REPORT NG gathered that some protesters blocked the major highway in the state in response to the outcome of the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the Governorship poll in Nasarawa.
The army, in a statement signed by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, said: “We express our 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,”
“Sadly, this same set of protesters who attacked patrol vehicles conveying troops on legitimate duty had turned around to spuriously allege that the 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. Suffice it to state that the Nigerian Army recognises and respects the rights of citizens to express their grievances through peaceful protests. However, it is pertinent to emphasise that such protests must be conducted within the confines of the law, ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved.
“The resort to violence, destruction of public property, and assault on security personnel is unacceptable and goes against the principles of peaceful protest.
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“Our troops were deployed to maintain law and order and 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.”
The Army urged all groups and individuals involved in protests to exercise caution and engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue, warning that 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.” the statement reads.
