The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Monday insisted there is no going back on the ban placed on protest by the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners in Abuja.
The #BringBackOurGirls Movement led by Hadiza Bala Usman and a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has been observing sit-out in the last 44 days to press home the call on government to ensure safe and quick return of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State.
Addressing a press conference, FCT Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, said he would not fold his arms and allow the protest degenerate into lawlessness.
According to him, he decided to ban all forms of protest in the Capital City so as not to give room for those who want to perpetrate evil to do so.
Mbu stated that they had information that some people were planning to mingle with the protesters to detonate bomb at the venue of the #BringBackOurGirls sit-out at the Unity Fountain so as to embarrass the government.
The full text of the Commissioner’s address reads, “You will recall that the first peaceful protest on the “BRING BACK OUR GIRLS” (Chibok) took place on the 28th April, 2014 which I took part in the procession until when the Senate President and Speaker addressed them.
“The protest continued and on the 22nd May, 2014 they were again addressed by over Ten Ministers, SGF and others. They are still unrelenting; the group has now shifted to Maitama Amusement Park. This area is very close to the residence of Diplomats.
“Again a new group RELEASE OUR GIRLS suddenly emerged and started the same protest, it has degenerated to the extent that they are now selling and cooking at the Unity Fountain.
“The trend is now posing a serious security threat to those living around and citizens who drive through. We are all aware of what happened yesterday 01/06/2014 in Mubi Adamawa State.
“As the FCT Police boss, I cannot fold my hands and watch this lawlessness.
“Information reaching us is that too soon dangerous elements will join the groups under the guise of protest and detonate explosive aimed at embarrassing the government.
“Accordingly, protest on the Chibok Girls is hereby banned with immediate effect. I urge all to encourage our security agencies in this war and appreciate them for the sacrifices we have made and are still making”.
