Tinubu Govt takes action over protest in Aso Rock

The Bola Tinubu-led government ordered the deployment of security around the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday over a planned protest calling for the release of schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims kidnapped in different parts of Nigeria.

According to Sahara Reporters, security operatives including soldiers, police officers, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Immigration Service were stationed at different entry points leading to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

Movement of both pedestrians and vehicles was restricted in the area as checkpoints and barricades were set up on major roads.

The restrictions affected access to nearby government buildings, including the Federal Secretariat, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court.

Many workers could not get to their offices on time, while several commuters were left stranded due to blocked roads and heavy traffic in alternative routes.

The protest is spearheaded by human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, alongside the Take It Back Movement.

The planned demonstration was set to begin at Eagle Square and move toward the Presidential Villa from early morning.

Organiserys said the demonstration was aimed at demanding the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other kidnapped victims across the country.

They also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the safe return of the victims or step down, accusing the government of failing to protect citizens.

Reacting, Sowore said the military lacks the right to stop protesters from gaining access to the Presidential Villa.

The activist stated that the protesters were earlier stopped by some military personnel at the entrance of the Presidential Villa, stressing that there was no reason to confront the security operatives since it was a peaceful protest.

He declared, “Aso Rock is Nigerian”, stating that when the citizens are ready, they will take over the Presidential Villa and no military can stop them.

“We had gone to the Villa but they put soldiers in large numbers. It is not as if we cannot push them away but because it is a peaceful protest, we decided not to have any conversation with soldiers or police.

“We are not afraid of soldiers nor police, they should be afraid of us. We are their employers, we pay them.

“Aso Rock is Nigerian House and when the Nigerian people are ready, they will take over. We brought children particularly mothers to come and match with us,” Sowore added.