Human Rights Group Condemns Looting, Calls For Peace Amid Hunger Protests

Human Rights Group Condemns Looting, Calls For Peace Amid Hunger Protests

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly condemned the violence, looting, and destruction of both public and private property that marked the recently concluded #EndBadGovernance protests…….CONTINUE READING

Beginning on August 1, some youths and civil society organizations initiated a 10-day hunger strike across various states in the federation. The protests took place in Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, Niger, and several other states, including the Federal Capital Territory.

While the protests were largely controlled and regulated in some southern states, they escalated into widespread violence in northern states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina, resulting in the loss of lives and significant damage to property.

During the protests, particularly in the northern states, some demonstrators were seen hoisting Russian flags as they marched through major streets, calling for military intervention in governance.

The violence and destruction that ensued led to the imposition of 24-hour curfews in the affected states. The protests eventually lost momentum following a broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on August 4.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Mohammed-Baba, in Kaduna, the ACF expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries that occurred during the protests.

The forum strongly criticized the actions of the protesters, describing them as “inexcusable and unequivocally condemnable.” It noted that the protests had strayed far from their stated purpose and had led to a breakdown of law and order.

“Prior to the commencement of the 10-day national protest on August 1, the Arewa Consultative Forum had expressed concerns and warned against such actions, anticipating their potential to lead to chaos and violence,” the statement said.

The ACF further condemned the looting, arson, and vandalism that took place, as well as the inexplicable display of Russian flags, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

The forum also highlighted the growing discontent and frustration among Nigerians regarding the current administration’s policy planning and implementation.

“It is evident that over time, and especially in the last 14 months under the current political administration, there has been a general sense of discontent, frustration, anger, and disillusionment among the populace concerning the direction of public policy,” the forum stated.

The ACF called on both the federal and state governments to engage with citizens and address their grievances. It urged immediate consultations on the current trajectory of public policy and recommended the entrenchment of accountability, good governance, a robust anti-corruption drive, and dynamic citizen-government engagement on policy issues.

As the nation reflects on the consequences of the protests, the ACF extended its condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who lost their lives. The forum also commiserated with the injured and sympathized with those whose properties were looted or damaged during the unres

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