A Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the National Assembly, Sen. Philip Aduda on thursday distance himself from the #EndSARS protest that turned violent in the nation’s Capital.

He made this known while fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja, while noting that, youths in the FCT have the right to protest, but not outside the context of law.

Aduda, however, expressed shock over a picture being circulated on the social media, where he was being portrayed as supporting one of the youths who claimed to be spokesperson for Abuja natives.

He, therefore warned the youths not to cause trouble in the name of protesting #EndSARS in Abuja.

According to him; ” protest is allowed by the law, not violence. I support the #EndSARS protest but youths must not make it look as if it is war.

“I am not part of violence protest especially the recent one in some parts of Abuja, because I am a leader does not means that I will support something that is outside the law. Let us adhere strictly to law and bad tendance” he said.

“We had a meeting with minister of the FCT and he appreciated the efforts of stakeholders, he is even considering to set up a committee that will address cases of grievances occassioned by the #EndSARS protests” he said.

…As Police Station Set Ablaze

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Following an attempt by hoodlums to hijack the #EndSARS protest in Dutse Alhaji area of Bwari Area Council in Abuja, no fewer than six people has been confirmed dead. 

One of the deceased was said to have been among a group of people who attacked the #EndSARS protesters, the identity of his killers were not known, but five other people were reported killed by security operatives.

The development, led to the Police post in the area being razed down by irate youths and caused panic in the area.

Meanwhile,  the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the FCT Command, Mariam Yusuf, however , did not immediately respond to media enquiries as she neither picked her calls nor replied to the text message sent to her phone.

An eyewitnesses accused security operatives of turning a blind eye to attacks by hoodlums while swooping on #EndSARS protesters.

Earlier in the day, there was tension in some parts of Sokale and FO1 areas of Kubwa on Tuesday morning following invasion by soldiers who fired sporadically into the air to disperse some #EndSARS protesters who had gathered to begin the day’s protest.

While passers-by scampered to safety, residents who were still in their houses immediately shut their doors and windows even as motorists on the Bwari-Dutse Alhaji road became stranded due to the ensuing gridlock on the route.

The protesters had erected a barricade at the Sokale roundabout area and Winners road and had begun settling into the protest before the invasion by soldiers in three trucks.

While some hoodlums also took over some parts of the Apo Mechanic village, attacking motorists and attempting to loot some shops in the area.

The hoodlums who had earlier attacked #EndSARS protesters the previous day were said to have mobilised to the area on Tuesday morning to halt the peaceful protest against police brutality.

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) , Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter said, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Taskforce/Marshal had overstepped their bounds in the course of their operations.

Hence, the AMAC Taskforce on traffic control was disbanded and their services transferred to the AMAC Marshal.

Saying , it has become imperative to introduce technology in enforcing road traffic regulations in AMAC.

This was contained in a communique signed and issued by Ochiaka Ugwu, Secretary, NUJ FCT Council and the Chairman, Organizing Committee
Omeiza Ajayi, at the end a one day Town Hall meeting on AMAC Taskforce/Marshal held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja.

At the end of the town hall meeting , the following resolutions were reached: Participants agreed that there is need for synergy among relevant government agencies, motorists and other stakeholders in the transportation sector;

It was agreed that the taskforce had overstepped their bounds in the course of their operations and it was time to introduce technology in enforcing road traffic regulations in AMAC;

Participants agreed that enforcement of traffic regulations must be done by well trained officials who would only do so in a civil manner rather than in a gestapo manner; and It was further resolved that private consultants should no longer be used for enforcement of road traffic regulations in AMAC.

The town hall meeting was necessitated by concerns from members of the public, particularly motorists, over the high-handedness, extortion and harassment by the taskforce.

AMAC authorities had severally stated that not all revenue collectors are genuine, however, the NUJ felt there was need to critically examine the character of the Taskforce and sift the wheat from the chaff.

The event was declared open by former Chairman of FCT Council of the NUJ, Mr Malachy Uzendu, who also chaired the occasion.

It had in attendance the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council AMAC, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, his vice, Lawrence Onuchukwu, the council secretary; Director, Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage DOAS in the FCT Administration, Dr Babagana Adam; FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma who was represented, FCT Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, Ayuba Gora Wobin, Director Operations of the FCT DRTS, Mr Dele Yaro, Executive Director of CASER, Barr. Frank Tietie, representatives of various transport unions, members of the NUJ and the public.

Not less than six people were said to have died at popular Apo Mechanic village in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday, following clashes between #EndSARS demonstrators and yet to be identified hoodlums.

Our correspondent gathered that,  
Houses, vehicles and shops were also set ablaze.

An eye witnesses stated that, trouble started when some miscreants appeared and accosted the peaceful protesters at Kabusa village junction down to Apo market.

It was , however , gathered that the demonstrators resisted the invaders who came with all manner of dangerous weapons, and instead of retreating from the scene, they (intruders) were bent on committing mischief, and began to burn vehicles on the road.

Findings further revealed that the incident was said to have been extended to the machanic village, where the hoodlums also attacked many people, burning shops and property within their reach.

According to an eyewitness, who did not want his name in print, the shop and vehicle owners who felt aggrieved by the actions of the hoodlums, went berserk and started engaging the hoodlums which later resulted to death of six persons.

The Federal Capital Territory  Administration (FCTA) has ban the #EndSARS protest in the nation’s capital.

Malam Muhammad Musa Bello,  the FCT Minister gave this order at the end of the Security Committee meeting, to review the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory with a view to addressing identified challenges.

The Security Committee reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensure that all residents are safe, secure and able to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment.

The Security Committee reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensure that all residents are safe, secure and able to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment.

The Committee, which was chaired by FCT minister stated that they , however, recognizes the rights of citizens as regards freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the constitution, while observing that the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols which were put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens.

According to the committee,  “These violations endanger the lives of not just the demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature checks, the use of facial coverings, amongst others.
Clearly all these guidelines were flouted by the protesters.”

Consequently, the Committee directs that due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT.

The Committee also noted the progress being made in the fight against robberies in illegal and unregistered, commercial motor vehicles known as “one chance” and is committed to the introduction of innovative measures that will ensure the safety of commuters.

It however advised commuters to continue to exercise  caution and remain vigilant while boarding commercial vehicles.

With the advent of the “Ember” months, the Committee reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of road users across the FCT in accordance with existing guidelines by relevant agencies.

It however seeks the cooperation of residents to obey all extant traffic rules and regulations while travelling during this period.

Similarly,  the Committee also noted with satisfaction the successful re-opening of schools after the forced closure due to COVID-19. It however calls on parents, students and school authorities to continue to comply with the extant COVID-19 safety protocols.

After extensive deliberations, the Committee came up with the following resolutions:

The Committee noted with satisfaction the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Inspector-General of Police to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad {SARS} as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian police.

It also noted that in response to the directive of the President and the yearnings of the Nigerian people, the Inspector General of Police has dissolved the SARS across the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where they hitherto existed.

However, the Committee noted with concern that despite the pronouncement by the Inspector General of Police scrapping the FSARS, the #ENDSARS protests continued in parts of the Territory. The protesters caused inconveniences to law abiding citizens.

The meeting which was chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello had in attendance,   the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola,  heads of the various security agencies and military formations in the FCT, senior members of staff of the FCTA, representatives of religious and traditional institutions as well as Area Council Chairmen.