terms the indiscriminate arrest of protesters in the country, urging all
security agencies to stop militarising Nigerian youths.
The CNPP also called President Muhammadu Buhari to call his security
chiefs to order and end ceaseless killings in the country.
Reacting to reports of the arrest of several protesters in Kaduna State
in a statement issued on Saturday by its Secretary-General, Chief Willy
Ezugwu, the CNPP wondered why “Policemen who have been in hiding since
the ongoing massacre of citizens in Southern Kaduna have suddenly woken
up from slumber to arrest defenceless youths asking them to do their
constitutional job of protecting lives.
“Security of lives and property is the only reason a government should
primarily exist. If a government cannot protect lives and property as a
primary duty as enshrined in Chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution as
amended, leaders under such government should hide their faces in shame.
“At a time members of the international community are raising red flags
to their citizens not to travel to Nigeria, the police and other
security agencies are busy arresting frustrated young people who are
urging them to protect their lives and that of their parents.
“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Nation’s security
chiefs to order and save the country from impending violence as these
peaceful demonstrators could be forced to become confrontational,
leading to a serious threat to law and order.
“Mr. President, it’s time to end the incessant killings in Southern
Kaduna and other parts of the country and restore the confidence of
Nigerians and the international community in the ability of Nigeria to
take charge of her internal security.
“Nigerian security agencies should learn to be more civil and stop
manhandling and militarisation defenceless young citizens for demanding
good governance and responsible leadership. Enough of bloodshed”, the
CNPP warned.