Rivers Crisis: Use of Explosives by Protesters Invitation to Anarchy – Civil Society Groups

About 20 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have said that the use of dynamite explosives by protesters in Rivers State will be an invitation to anarchy if not stopped now. Recall that there was an explosion in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on June 25 when some persons staged a protest. It was reported that […]

About 20 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have said that the use of dynamite explosives by protesters in Rivers State will be an invitation to anarchy if not stopped now.

Recall that there was an explosion in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on June 25 when some persons staged a protest.

It was reported that one of the protesters, Priye, attempted to detonate a dynamite near Hotel Presidential but ended up injuring himself.

Reacting to the news, the Civil Society groups in a joint statement signed by Comrade Maxwel Aniekwe condemned the use of weapons of mass destruction, particularly explosive devices, during protests.

They bemoaned the fact that some individuals are willing to endanger the lives of citizens just because of their insatiable desire to control a democratically elected administration.

Describing the attacks on Rivers government as an act of terrorism, the groups vow to March for the removal of the Inspector General of Police and other head agencies who are silent and are yet to commence investigation and prosecution of protesters and financier behind Rivers blast.

The CSOs said, “We received with utmost shock the news of the senseless and violent incident. We condemn it totally, what happened few days ago in Rivers State was not a protest but pure act of terrorism which has no place in our democracy.

“The use of dynamite explosives by protesters in Rivers State will be an invitation to anarchy if not stopped now. It’s highly surprising and disappointing that since this happened the security agencies are quiet.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police and DSS to find out who financed the use of explosives at a protest and come prosecution of anyone found culpable. No one is above the law. If people are power drunk to the point they are willing to endanger the lives of innocent citizens, then they should also be ready to face the consequences of their actions. Failure to do this, we will commence March for the removal of the Inspector General of Police and other head agencies who are silent.”