North Central: Gov AbdulRahman Condemns Attack on Peaceful Protesters
The security landscape in Ilorin has come under intense scrutiny following a violent disruption of civic activities, leading to a firm executive response regarding the recent North Central Nigeria protest movements. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has officially directed the State Police Command to launch an immediate and exhaustive manhunt for the unidentified hoodlums who ambushed peaceful demonstrators.
The Governor’s intervention follows a series of reports detailing how armed thugs disrupted a gathering of citizens who were exercising their constitutional rights to air grievances, a situation that threatened to spiral into a broader breakdown of law and order in the state capital.
In a strongly worded statement released through his media team, the Governor emphasized that his administration maintains a zero tolerance policy toward any form of political thuggery or violent suppression of free speech.
AbdulRazaq, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, clarified that while the government is focused on maintaining stability, it will not shield anyone found to be infringing upon the fundamental rights of others. He noted that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and that the infiltration of such gatherings by criminal elements is a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of the state as a peaceful haven in the region.
Reports from the scene indicate that the protesters were caught off guard when a group of men, allegedly armed with sticks and other dangerous weapons, descended on the venue. The attackers reportedly destroyed placards and chased participants away before security operatives could intervene.
Governor AbdulRazaq has now ordered the Commissioner of Police to not only fish out the perpetrators but also to identify their sponsors. He reassured the public that additional security measures have been deployed to strategic areas to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, urging victims to come forward with evidence that could assist in the ongoing investigation.
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As the state navigates the complexities of the current socio economic climate, the Governor has appealed for calm and constructive engagement. He reiterated his commitment to addressing the underlying issues that sparked the demonstrations but maintained that the sanctity of human life and property must be protected at all costs.
By ordering a full scale police investigation, the Kwara State Government is sending a clear signal that the North Central region remains committed to the rule of law, ensuring that the democratic space is preserved for all citizens regardless of their political leanings or grievances.