By Adeola Atanda
The Nigerian Army says it is ready to deal with those it described as “subversive elements and troublemakers” amidst growing protests against police brutality in the country.
A statement signed by Colonel Sagir Musa, Acting Director Army Public Relations, also affirmed the army’s “unalloyed loyalty and commitment to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the country.”
Musa, in the statement, further said that the army “remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost” and vowed to “deal with any situation decisively.”
The army’s riot act follows reports of soldiers beating #ENDSARS protesters in the country’s Federal Capital, Abuja. This is despite President Buhari’s acquiescence to implement the protesters’ five-points demand including protecting the protesters and releasing those arrested from various police detention.
The statement has provoked various reactions on Twitter. Reacting, an activist Kayode Ogundamisi said the Nigerian Army “just unwittingly elevated/escalated the crisis”.
He said: “When you have to reaffirm your loyalty, you are admitting there was a doubt or basically confirming the level of instability has risen to attract the military. (However), evidence on the ground is contrary,” Ogundamisi tweeted.
However human rights activist and former member of the Senate, Senator Shehu Sani said the Army has no role to play in the protest.
According to him, there are many bandits and insurgents for the Army to deal with rather than attacking innocent citizens on peaceful protests to demand for better governance.
He said: “The Army should not and must not intervene to crush peaceful protesters.We have enough bandits and Insurgents in our forests and deserts that needs their attention.
“#EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria #EndPoliceBrutality #EndInsecurity
