On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed a plot by mischief-makers to target car owners, landlords, and smartphone users during the upcoming ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest scheduled for next month.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja.
Major General Buba stated, “We have identified some unscrupulous elements who are intent on hijacking the planned protest to incite violence. Many people are unknowingly following their lead. For example, indications suggest that individuals with smartphones, cars, shops, houses, or even air conditioning have been marked as targets.”
He issued a warning against any form of violence during the planned nationwide demonstration and suggested that the organizers aim to replicate the recent protests in Kenya, which descended into chaos. While affirming the citizens’ right to express their grievances, General Buba emphasized that the military would not tolerate any violent gatherings or protests.
The police have also issued warnings against violent protests planned for next month. The protest, which is set to occur across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has been gaining momentum on social media. The organizers of the protest remain anonymous.
In recent months, Nigerians have faced soaring prices of food and basic commodities amidst one of the country’s worst inflation and economic crises. This situation has been exacerbated by the government’s policies of removing petrol subsidies and unifying forex windows, leading to widespread economic hardship.
