By Emma Ogbuehi
The Federal Capital Territory has banned the #ENDSARS# protests in all parts of Abuja.
Anthony Ogunleye, spokesman to FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello announced the ban in a statement on Thursday.
Ogunleye said the decision to ban the protest was made when the FCT Security Committee met to review the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory with a view to addressing identified challenges.
“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.
“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 protests, demonstrations and processions will not be allowed anywhere in the FCT”, the statement added.
Nigerian youths in their numbers have taken to the streets nationwide, to protest against the dreaded, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), unit of the Nigerian Police, who have been accused of killings, extortion, rape and theft. The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, in response, disbanded the controversial SARS and in its place, announced the inauguration of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, promising fairness. The youths are however not assuaged by the measure, insisting on total reform of the Police.
