Anti-Buhari: We shot tear gas to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the protest, says Police

In reaction to the tear gas fired at anti-Buhari protesters yesterday in Abuja, the Police has released a statement, saying it was to prevent the hoodlums from hijacking the protest.

The statement reads:

“Today 8th August, 2017 the same group assembled at the same venue but allowed miscreants, hoodlums and other unruly individuals to infiltrate the protests, who started blocking the major roads adjoining the Unity fountain, obstructing traffic and preventing movements of other innocent citizens from going to their means of livelihood, and thereby exhibiting unruly behaviours and other violent acts very likely to cause the breakdown of law and order and disturbance of public peace.

“The Police personnel intervened at the point that the concerned Nigerians Group lost control of the crowd and prevented miscreants, hoodlums and other criminal elements from hijacking the protest to cause mayhem and chaos.

“It is pertinent to state here that the FCT Police command is fully aware and recognizes the constitutional rights of every citizen including Our Mumu Dondo group to assemble and move freely in any part of the Federal Capital Territory, but the command will not allow any protest under any guise to turn violent and jeopardise the prevailing peace, law and order currently being enjoyed in the FCT.

“The command wishes to assure all residents and visitors to the territory of adequate security and protection of lives and property of everyone including those who choose to express their constitutional rights of protest with decorum.

“Consequently, members of the public, parents and guardians, religious/opinion leaders and other interest groups are advised to prevail on their children and wards, followers and adherents not to allow themselves to be used by any group to cause disturbance of public peace and break down of law and order.”

The protest started on Monday in Abuja, led by popular musician Charly Boy with aegis of “Our Mumu Don do Movement”.

A report also has it that the musician collapsed after inhalling the tear gas shot at him and other protesters.

President Muhammadu Buhari has been out of the country to London for medical treatment since May 7, and the protesters wanted him return or resign.