The Nigerian Army on Monday deployed heavy armoured vehicles and armed personnel to Filling Polo, Maiduguri, the venue scheduled for a protest against rising insecurity and abductions in Borno State.
- +Military blockade stops Borno insecurity protest
When our correspondent visited the area around 9:35 a.m., the field was deserted, while some suspected protesters were seen monitoring the situation from a distance amid fear of possible confrontation.
When our correspondent visited the area around 9:35 a.m., the field was deserted, while some suspected protesters were seen monitoring the situation from a distance amid fear of possible confrontation.
Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, the leader of the protest organising group, Samaila Kaigama, said the protest had been postponed due to the heavy security presence.
Kaigama, who is also the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, alleged that the deployment was orchestrated by the state government to intimidate peaceful protesters.
“The state government sent military personnel there. That is what is happening now,” he said.
“We have reached out to our lawyer, who will redraft our letter of notification and present it to the government, the DSS, and every concerned authority. Once that is done, we can reschedule the protest.”
He further alleged that the military presence discouraged residents, including some who reportedly travelled from Ngoshe, from participating in the demonstration.
“They sent the military to stop people who travelled all the way from Ngoshe to protest over their children and wives in captivity, just to scare them away,” he added.
Kaigama confirmed that the protest had been cancelled for the time being.
“Presently, we are cancelling the protest and doing exactly what they want. They want a letter; we will provide it. Once we do that, everyone I know in the human rights community will be on the ground,” he said.
“For now, they are free to use the military to oppress the people, but they cannot use the same military to rescue families stranded in terrorist dens.”
He said the protest was intended to draw attention to the worsening security situation and increasing cases of abduction in parts of the state.
“This protest aims to create awareness and show the government that the people are seeking answers. About 416 people were abducted, including 12 in Biu,” he said.
“We have done everything possible to bridge the gap between the government and these people to explore possibilities of negotiation. We bought time and mediated discussions, but nothing has been fruitful. These families have continued crying and begging while lamenting that the government is more focused on primary elections.”
Efforts to get a response from the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, were unsuccessful, as calls made to his phone were not answered.
