Arewa group demands investigation into excessive violence during recent protests

The Arewa Citizens Action for Good Leadership (ACAGL), has condemned the violence and bloodshed that marred the hardship protest. The group called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events. This was contained in a statement by Saeed Sulaiman Umar, Spokesperson of ACAGL. The statement reads: “We wish to address the recent national […]

The Arewa Citizens Action for Good Leadership (ACAGL), has condemned the violence and bloodshed that marred the hardship protest.

The group called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events.

This was contained in a statement by Saeed Sulaiman Umar, Spokesperson of ACAGL.

The statement reads: “We wish to address the recent national protests that took place across Nigeria, during which alarming developments have come to light.

“Our organization, having prudently withdrawn from participation in the protests due to concerns over potential hijacking by criminal elements, has now been vindicated as our worst fears have been confirmed.

“ACAGL strongly rebukes the looting and vandalization of public and private properties and businesses that took place in Kano which costs the states and its good people losses worth billions of naira.

“This is one of many fears that forced ACAGL to earlier announce withdrawal from the protest although there were many genuine people who simply wanted to register their complaints to authorities.

“Similarly, reports have emerged of protesters in Kano and other states waving the flags of a foreign country. This troubling act raises serious questions about the underlying motivations and influences propelling some protesters. Such behavior not only undermines the legitimacy of genuine grievances but also suggests a deeper, more insidious agenda aimed at destabilizing our nation.

“We have also learned that the accounts of certain individuals and groups alleged to have sponsored these protests have been frozen by the authorities. This action is a significant step towards uncovering the truth about the orchestrators behind these demonstrations. However, it is only the beginning, and much more needs to be done to safeguard our nation from both internal and external threats.”

It continued: “In light of these developments, ACAGL hereby makes the following demands:

“We call for a total and comprehensive investigation into the roles played by foreign interests and their collusion with certain Nigerian elements in infiltrating the protests and the display of foreign flags. The involvement of external forces in our national affairs is a serious breach of sovereignty that must not be tolerated.

“ACAGL concurs that the accounts that have been frozen must be meticulously scrutinized. Should the owners of these accounts be found guilty of supporting terrorism or engaging in activities that undermine the security and stability of Nigeria, they should face the full weight of the law. Such individuals are betrayers of our country and must be held accountable and responsible for their actions.

“We demand the diligent prosecution of those found guilty of conspiring with foreign entities to disrupt the peace and unity of Nigeria. This should serve as a deterrent to others who may harbor similar intentions in the future. Nigeria cannot and will not allow itself to be a battleground for foreign interests.”