By Mohammed Dahiru
One of the organisers of #SecureNorth protest in the Jigawa State, Abba Malami, has vowed to join the protest in the state despite invitation by the State Police Command.
“I received an invitation of Jigawa state Commissioner of police through one police officer Garba Inuwa by name. I will insha Allahu honor the invitation on Monday,” he posted on his Facebook timeline.
Mr Malami has recently left no one in doubt about his plan to lead Jigawa youths in storming the street for a peaceful protest over rising insecurity in the North.
Following the release of a fiery Kano lawyer and organiser of the #SecureNorth protest in Kano, Abba Hikima, by the SSS, Mr Malami shared Mr Hikima’s post, saying, “Kano today, Jigawa next week Insha Allah.”
Heavily-armed security personnel made up of police, civil defense and SSS had barricaded the gate of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ Kano on Wednesday morning to stop youths protesting against insecurity in the north from entering the premises.
Several security vehicles with personnel dressed in anti-riot outfits took over the outskirt and the road leading to the NUJ as the protesters assembled at a distance.
Speaking on insecurity, one of the organizers of the protest, Mr Hikima called for a stop to the continued bloodletting in the north, while insisting the security be properly armed to face the bandits.
“I have just been ‘released’ by the DSS. We have made our point straight and clear. Nigerians no longer require permit to protest. This is just a prelude and if things don’t change, we will continue to hit the streets as it proves to be the only language government listens to. Thanks to all who showed.
“Despite the heavy intimidation, you proved to be real legends. We will call again at the appropriate time. I believe the message has been sent. #SecureNorth #NorthIsBleeding,” he said.
Meanwhile Amnesty International, AI, has reacted to the serial crackdown on protesters, demanding government action against rising insecurity in the North.
In a post on its official Facebook page, AI said it had received disturbing reports from Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Zaria on arrests and crackdown by the police and the DSS on peaceful protests against rampant insecurity in northern Nigeria.
“We call on Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested for exercising the right to freedom of assembly. The DSS must stop using ‘invitations’ to intimidate protests organizers.
“The protesters have done nothing more than speaking up for accountability. The arrests appear to be an attempt to intimidate and harass those who refused to be silent in the face of government’s failure to protect lives,” the AI said.
