Protest: Arewa youth groups condemn violence, ban further demonstrations in Northern Nigeria

*Comrade Mustapha Alkali states some Arewa youth groups have announced a ban on all forms of protest in Northern Nigeria, following the recent wanton destruction of lives, property, and looting spree at both public and private facilities in the region, and other parts of the country

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to wanton destruction of lives, property, and looting spree at both public and private facilities in the region and other parts of Nigeria, some Arewa youth groups have announced a ban on all forms of protest in Northern Nigeria for the next year.

Comrade Mustapha Alkali, who noted this in a statement, said the groups’ decision was made after an assessment of the events that unfolded August 1, 2024, during the protest tagged, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria against the Federal Government.

The groups affirmed that criminal elements hijacked the hitherto peaceful protest, as they took the opportunity to wreak havoc on several communities in the North.

They also condemned the violence, arson, and criminal activities that took place during the protests, stating that they were unacceptable and threatened the fabric of society.

The actions of those behind the protests, Comrade Alkali stated, are a clear indication that they want to destroy the North.

They also claimed the rioters “have no regard for our values, our culture, and our way of life”, and have already “caused significant economic losses to the people, and we cannot afford to continue on this path.”

“After careful assessment of the events that unfolded on August 1 during the protests against the Federal Government, we have resolved to place a ban on all forms of protest in Northern Nigeria for the next year.

“This decision was not taken lightly, but it has become necessary to protect the interests and well-being of our people,” stated he.

Alkali said: “The events of August 1 were a clear indication that those behind the protests had ulterior motives that were detrimental to the North.

“The level of violence, arson, and criminal activities that took place during the protests were unprecedented and unacceptable.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the destruction of property, the attack on innocent citizens, and the disruption of peace and order in our region. These actions are not only unhelpful but also threaten the very fabric of our society.”

The groups stated: “The protests were characterised by wanton destruction of public and private properties, looting, and maiming of innocent citizens. This is not what we expect from a peaceful protest.

“Furthermore, the protests were hijacked by criminal elements who used the opportunity to wreak havoc on our communities.

“We cannot fold our arms and watch as our region is being destroyed by those who do not have our interests at heart.”

They equally noted: “The protests have also caused significant economic losses to our people, and we cannot afford to continue on this path. We urge our youths to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be used as tools for destruction.

“The actions of those behind the protests are a clear indication that they want to destroy the North. They have no regard for our values, our culture, and our way of life.

“We will not stand idly by while our region is being destroyed. We will work with the security agencies to ensure that those who breach the peace are brought to justice.”

Alkali said the Arewa youth groups also commended Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, and Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Agriculture and Sanitation, for their stance against violence and their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the North.

The statement noted: “Their leadership and vision are what our region needs at this critical time. They have shown that they are committed to the well-being of our people, and we urge them to continue on this path.

“The efforts of the Ministers ensured that the protests did not get out of hand, preventing further destruction and loss of life. We urge them to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our region is safe and secure.”

The groups, however, warned troublemakers to stay away from the North and declared their support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

Alkali said: “We will not tolerate any form of violence or destruction in our region. We will work with the security agencies to ensure that those who breach the peace are brought to justice.

“We will not allow our region to be destroyed by those who do not have our interests at heart.

“Finally, we declare our support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration. We believe in his vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria, and we will work with him to achieve this goal.

“We urge all our members and supporters to remain calm and peaceful, and to work towards building a better future for our region and our country.”

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