The Community Advocacy for Peace and Strategic Leadership Initiative (CAPSLI) has condemned the violence that erupted on the first day of nationwide protests in several states.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Mr. Akwuobi Francis, National Chairman, and Mr. Pius Pamela, National Secretary of CAPSLI, criticized the violence which led to the deaths of at least 17 people, destruction of businesses, and looting of valuables.
The CSO reported that numerous injuries occurred during the protests, which were reportedly hijacked by non-state actors across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed the destruction of property in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, and Jigawa, including the destruction of police stations.
Egbetokun also noted attempts to seize government buildings and the looting of government infrastructure, warehouses, and shops.
CAPSLI expressed regret that the demonstrations turned violent, preventing law-abiding citizens from accessing their livelihoods. While acknowledging the right to peaceful assembly and expression, the group emphasized that these rights are not absolute and come with responsibilities.
The CSO noted that the violence underscores the concerns raised by security agencies about the potential for protests to be hijacked by disruptive elements. CAPSLI urged protest organizers to suspend further actions for the nation’s collective good, asserting that the original messages intended by authentic protesters have been conveyed.
The group posed several questions to the organizers, including whether they are comfortable with the reported casualties and destruction, and whether they regret not heeding earlier warnings from security agencies. They also questioned if the Federal Government has not taken steps to address the issues raised by the protests.
CAPSLI called on parents and guardians to discourage their children from participating in the violence and urged everyone to support government efforts aimed at improving conditions.