3 months ago
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*Thugs threaten Lagos protesters, as court confines demonstrations to parks
- Nigerian Correctional Service declares custodial centres ‘red zones’
BY ORIAKU IJELE & UKPONO UKPONG
As the countdown to the proposed nationwide protest against hardship and bad governance unfolds, prospects of resolution dimmed yesterday when the organisers of the planned #EndBadGovernance demonstrations slated for August rejected an offer by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for confined protests as against street procession.
“It is not advisable to go on street processions because as you are planning a protest, some are planning violence,” the IGP advised.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), a lawyer for the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups organising the nationwide protests, rejected the proposal of the IGP during a meeting attended by many CSOs, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association and human rights activist, Femi Falana.
Meanwhile a court in Lagos has handed an order that protests in Lagos should be restricted to Freedom Park on Broad Street Lagos and Peace Park Ojota, even as thugs, commonly called ‘agberos’ have continued to warn residents not to take part in the planned protest.
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In another development, in the light of the upcoming national protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared all Custodial Centres as red zones.
The Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, in a statement issued yesterday, urged the public to avoid these areas, emphasizing that unauthorized individuals or groups should steer clear of its facilities.
The NCoS highlighted the critical importance of Custodial and Non-custodial Centres to national security and public safety.
“Custodial and Non-custodial Centres are critical national assets which are germane to public safety as well as national security. Tampering with or attacking them will lead to a breakdown of law and order, and further exacerbate the security of the society in general,” the statement read.
To ensure the protection of these facilities, the NCoS has implemented robust security measures.
He said that adequate security arrangements have been established to prevent any breaches, and the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide additional security around correctional facilities nationwide.
“The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, appreciates the continuous cooperation of members of the public in ensuring peace and tranquility in and around correctional centres nationwide,” the statement said.
The NCoS also urged the public to report any suspicious activities or plans that could threaten the security of correctional facilities.
“The public is also advised to report any suspicious plan or movement to our email: info@corrections.gov.ng or to our official website: www.corrections.gov.ng or call 09060004598 or 08075050006 directly,” the statement advised.
Furthermore, he called on all members of the public to work together with the Service to safeguard these critical facilities.
“The Service strongly advises all members of the public to join hands with the Service to ensure the protection of correctional facilities,” Umar stated.
English (US) ·