The Nigerian Army has strongly criticized the unprovoked assault on troops and patrol vehicles by demonstrators along the Lafia-Makurdi road in Nasarawa State on Tuesday.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, condemned the protesters’ unfounded claims that the troops’ convoy had collided with them, affirming that available video footage and visual evidence show that the troops professionally dispersed the crowd while ensuring the safety of citizens and safeguarding public infrastructure.
While acknowledging and respecting the citizens’ right to express grievances through peaceful protests, Gen. Nwachukwu emphasized the necessity for such demonstrations to adhere to legal constraints, prioritizing the safety and security of all involved parties.
“Engaging in violence, damaging public property, and assaulting security personnel are unacceptable and contradict the fundamental principles of peaceful protest,” he stated.
Addressing the protest that stemmed from the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the state’s gubernatorial election, Gen. Nwachukwu highlighted the disruption caused by the protesters, who obstructed the major highway, resulting in severe traffic congestion for motorists and launching attacks on the troops’ patrol vehicles.
Expressing concern over the protesters’ actions and their subsequent attempt to falsely incriminate the troops, Gen. Nwachukwu emphasized that the deployed troops aimed to uphold law and order, ensuring the safety of all citizens, including the demonstrators and public infrastructure. Operating under strict rules of engagement, their primary objective was to prevent the escalation of violence and maintain peace.
By hurling stones at the troops and attacking their patrol vehicles, the protesters jeopardized the lives of the army personnel through their violent conduct, the Army spokesperson stated.
“The Nigerian Army implores all individuals and groups engaged in protests to act with restraint and participate in peaceful and constructive dialogue. Resorting to violence only exacerbates the situation and obstructs the progress towards resolving any grievances,” he emphasized.
Gen. Nwachukwu called upon community and religious leaders, along with other stakeholders, to actively contribute to promoting peace and harmony within their communities. He reassured the public of the Nigerian Army’s apolitical stance and unwavering commitment to safeguarding all citizens.
“We will steadfastly collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the people of Nasarawa state and the entire nation. Any form of violence will not be condoned,” Mr. Nwachukwu affirmed.
Finally, the army spokesman urged the media and the public to exercise prudence in reporting and disseminating information, emphasizing the importance of verifying its accuracy and fairness to all concerned parties. “Let us unite in building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
NAN
