The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF has condemned the brutalization of the peaceful #Endsars protesters by hired hoodlums, and the police in various cities of the country, particularly, in Abuja and Benin City, Edo State.
PANDEF in a statement signed by its National Chairman and former military governor of Akwa Ibom state Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) demands an immediate halt to the attacks, harassments, and intimidation of young Nigerians, who are peacefully demonstrating their frustration over how the affairs of their country are being conducted.
PANDEF noted that the ongoing protests further reinforces its clamour for the restructuring of the country.
It also called for the commencement of the unbiased investigation of the incidents, in order to bring to book all those behind the undemocratic actions across the country.
The group said that President Muhammadu Buhari, should have addressed the young protesters openly, and assuage their anger, instead of the deployment of the military and police against them, and allowing hired, armed thugs to unleash terror on the peaceful protesters.
The forum also considered the “Operation Crocodile Smile” exercise announced by the Army, as most provocative, and an unnecessary distraction for the military, at this time, adding that Soldiers have no business trying to do the “police” job, but are more needed in the North East and North West, where Boko Haram and bandits are making life unbearable for citizens.
It explained that, it is clear that the jailbreaks in Benin City, Edo State, were not done by the protesting youths, but by armed hoodlums.
PANDEF however cautioned the federal government that if it does not handle the matter properly and continues in a present manner, it won’t be good for the country as the nation’s economy could be adversely affected, adding that people will not continue to standby and watch their children being brutalised or killed.
Edited by Tunde Orebiyi
