The
clampdown order issued by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim
Idris, on the #BringBackOurGirls advocacy group, more anti-riot police
officers have been deployed to the Unity Fountain in Abuja in an effort
to prevent the activists from holding a meeting.
A large number of combat ready police officers were spotted at the fountain on Thursday morning.
The
police chief on Tuesday said that the #BBOG protest constitutes a
threat to public peace and order and therefore banned all forms of rally
and procession in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.
According to FCT Police spokesperson Anjuguri Manzah,
the command has observed with concern the disregard for the rule of law
by some individuals or group of persons with the FCT.
“These
indiscriminate actions which are carried out in disorderly and sometimes
riotous manner create unwarranted tension and apprehension among law
abiding citizens and in the process obstruct legitimate business
activities,” Mr. Manzah said.
He also said the command is making
it clear that it will continue to be professional in discharging its
constitutionally assigned roles in accordance with international best
practices, especially as it relates to the fundamental rights of
citizens.
“However, the command will not fold its arms and watch
some individuals or groups of persons tamper with the existing peaceful
atmosphere in the Federal Capital Territory.
“The Command hereby
advises any person or group of persons who wish to embark on any
demonstration to notify the Commissioner of Police in the FCT in writing
and secure approval,” Mr. Manzah added.
#BBOG on Tuesday
presented a signed copy of a police permit to the FCT Deputy
Commissioner of Police, M.D Garba, that authorized the group to hold the
rally, but was ignored as he kept mute. Protesters then stormed the
barricade set up by police to prevent them from embarking on their
protest.
The group had planned to have a sit-out today at 5:00 p.m. in Abuja.