…condemns “reckless use of force” by the police
Organised Civil Society on Thursday knocked the Nigeria Police Force for tear-gassing “defenceless protesters” in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Bauchi, and other states in the country.
In a statement, the United Action Front of Civil Society said three peaceful protesters tear-gassed by the police fainted in Abuja with many others injured.
The CSO leader Olawale Okunniyi alleged that pro-government protesters forced anti-hunger protesters out of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, the venue designated by the government.
“The anti-hunger protesters sensing danger and possible violent clash, decided to quietly move in peaceful procession to the Eagle Square, where they had earlier designated to hold their peaceful protest.
“On getting to the Eagle Square, security agents swooped on them and unleashed mayhem on peaceful [rotesters with tear gas canisters, injuring several unarmed and defenceless protesters with three protesters reported to have fainted.”
The group strongly condemned the “resort to violence by the police in Abuja, Lekki, Kaduna and other centres in the country contrary to the assurances given to us by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun during our consultative meeting with him on Tuesday”.
“We find this show of force and reckless use of force unacceptable and barbaric and therefore call on the IGP to immediately call his men to order before the situation degenerates beyond control,” the statement said.