Nigerian Army High Command has strongly condemned the recent unprovoked attack on troops and patrol vehicles during a protest along Lafia-Makurdi Road in Nasarawa.
It be recalled that protesters blocked the major highway in response to the outcome of the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the gubernatorial election in the state.
This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Army expressed its 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.
The Army lamented that 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 pointed out that it was 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.
According to the statement, while stressing that it recognises and respects the rights of citizens to express their grievances through peaceful protests it pointed out “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”.
It cautioned that; “the resort to violence, destruction of public property, and assault on security personnel is unacceptable and goes against the principles of peaceful protest”.
The troops according to the Nigerian Army 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.
It also noted that the action of the protesters therefore in pelting stones at troops and attacking patrol vehicles not only endangered the lives of the personnel but also undermined the peaceful nature of the protest.
The Nigerian Army urged all individuals and groups involved in protests to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue. Resorting to violence it says only exacerbates the situation and hampers progress toward resolving any grievances.
The statement added that the Army therefore called on community and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders to play their part in promoting peace and harmony in their communities and assured the public that it remained apolitical and committed to the protection and safety of all citizens.
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