By We Tear Gased ResumeorResign Protesters Because Of Breakdown Of Law And Order- Police
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has disclosed reasons why its officers had to fire tear gas canisters at the ResumeorReign protesters who had gathered at their take off location in Abuja.
According to the press statement by the Command’s Public Relations officer, Anjuguri Manze, the security officers took the action as it appears hoodlums had hijacked the peaceful protest which was a threat to the public peace.
He stated that the tear gas was shot at the protesters when their activities was near breakdown of law and order.
Also read: #ResumeOrResign! Charly Boy, Deji Adeyanju, others lead protest against ailing President Buhari
It will be recalled that the act of the security officers during the protest on Tuesday led to the collapse of popular musician, Charly Boy and injury of many others, including journalists who were on duty at the scene of incident.
The statement reads: “Today 8th August, 2017 the same group assembled at the same venue but allowed miscreants, hoodlums and other unruly individuals to infiltrate the protests, who started blocking the major roads adjoining the Unity fountain, obstructing traffic and preventing movements of other innocent citizens from going to their means of livelihood, and thereby exhibiting unruly behaviours and other violent acts very likely to cause the breakdown of law and order and disturbance of public peace.
“The Police personnel intervened at the point that the concerned Nigerians Group lost control of the crowd and prevented miscreants, hoodlums and other criminal elements from hijacking the protest to cause mayhem and chaos.
See also: Area Fada, Charly Boy Slumps, Scores Wounded As Police Fire Tear Gas At ResumeorResign Protesters
“It is pertinent to state here that the FCT Police command is fully aware and recognizes the constitutional rights of every citizen including Our Mumu Dondo group to assemble and move freely in any part of the Federal Capital Territory, but the command will not allow any protest under any guise to turn violent and jeopardise the prevailing peace, law and order currently being enjoyed in the FCT.
“The command wishes to assure all residents and visitors to the territory of adequate security and protection of lives and property of everyone including those who choose to express their constitutional rights of protest with decorum.
“Consequently, members of the public, parents and guardians, religious/opinion leaders and other interest groups are advised to prevail on their children and wards, followers and adherents not to allow themselves to be used by any group to cause disturbance of public peace and break down of law and order,” the statement added.
