US, UK, Canada: Security Alerts for Nigeria Protests

Stay updated on the recent security alerts issued by the US, UK, and Canada for their citizens in Nigeria amidst ongoing protests.

Security alerts have been released by the United States, United Kingdom and Canada to their citizens in Nigeria regarding possible violence during the scheduled countrywide protests.

The announcement follows a scheduled countrywide demonstration against hunger and difficulty that is set to commence on August 1, 2024.

The three countries issued distinct travel warnings, advising their nationals to steer clear of locations where clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement may take place.

The US Mission in Abuja has advised Americans to stay away from rallies and demonstrations, cautioning them against crowds. It also suggested staying informed through local media sources.

The notification drew attention to possible roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion and physical altercations. It indicated that there might be nationwide protests in Nigeria from July 29th till August 5th of the year 2024 as per media reports. The alert cautioned about previous events where these protests had led to disturbances such as blocking roads or causing traffic jams along with violent confrontations occurring during demonstrations.

In like manner, the UK High Commission cautioned that demonstrations may take place from July 29 to August 10 in notable metropolises such as Abuja and Lagos. As a preventive measure, Britons were suggested to be vigilant, steer clear of massive gatherings and keep abreast with media updates given past protests have unexpectedly escalated into violence.

The guidance stated that unexpected political assemblies, demonstrations and violent protests may occur. Seek counsel on places to dodge. Be cautious while visiting congested public areas or participating in events that lure many people. In case you encounter a hostile or frightening scenario, do not attempt to push through it but rather pivot peacefully towards safety.

In addition, the Canadian population was notified by their government of upcoming demonstrations and advised to anticipate disturbances in traffic as well as public transportation. They were also cautioned that protests may unexpectedly turn violent which prompted them to exercise caution, comply with directives provided by local officials while being attentively aware through consistent monitoring of regional media for news updates.

The advisory stated that protests are scheduled nationwide from July 29 to August 5, 2024. These demonstrations may cause disruptions in traffic and public transportation with the potential for violence at any given moment.

The latest advisories indicate increased worries regarding the upcoming countrywide protests and how they may affect safety and security in Nigeria.

As a key figure in the #EndBadGovernance movement, it was stated that Eagle Square in Abuja is a public asset and that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike must permit “starving Nigerian youths” to express their dissatisfaction with the location.

On Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilisation for Take It Back Movement – a non-governmental organization, made this declaration.

The social media-fueled movement protesting economic hardship is set to take place across all states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, this August.

Over the past few months, Nigerians have been grappling with an economic crisis caused by petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows policies implemented by the government. As a result, food and basic commodities prices in Nigeria have skyrocketed to unprecedented heights amidst one of its worst inflation rates ever recorded.

On July 26, 2024, the youth leader made a request to use the facility by signing a letter directed towards the minister. This message was publicized on various social media channels.

On Saturday, the FCT minister stated that he hadn’t received the letter.

Adenola attributed the delay in delivering the letter to bureaucratic obstacles within the government. Nevertheless, he assured that it would be delivered without fail on Monday before Thursday’s demonstration per request of the minister.

According to the protest mobilizer, there could be a delay in receiving the letter due to bureaucratic processes within the government. Alternatively, it is possible that the minister is not being truthful about having received it.

Should Wike continue to deny receiving it, the other possibility is that he was notified through publication due to certain Nigerian ministries’ selective acceptance of notifications. In case he claims not having received a physical notification, we can also conclude that he was served by means of publication. If his demand is for delivery by Monday, then we shall ensure its prompt service to him accordingly.

A Public Property is Eagle Square.

“It’s a fact that Eagle Square is publicly owned. Upon watching the minister’s video, I was taken aback as he urged us to pay for rent and security fees among other things. My concern for the minister is how does he anticipate financially burdened Nigerian youths lacking employment opportunities to manage such exorbitant charges? We shall be present at Eagle Square on August 1st,” expressed him.

Protest Driven by the Motivation of Hunger

“It is a double insult to label the organizers of the protest as faceless,” Adenola added.

According to him, hunger serves as a powerful incentive for the protest and emphasized that individuals from all walks of life have the right to express their grievances regardless of social status.

The individuals behind the protest are hungry, unemployed and hopeless Nigerians who wander aimlessly on the streets. They include out-of-school children dispersed across Nigeria. Hunger is their primary motivation for organizing this #EndBadGovernance demonstration, accentuating how deeply people hunger in reality,” he stated.

“The notion belongs to the bruised, starved and despairing Nigerian populace.”

He added that the youth are weary and desire to voice their discontent with the government’s misconduct.

“Blocked Bank Account”

According to the protester, the Department of State Services (DSS) had issued orders for the organisation’s bank account to be blocked.

He stated that UBA had reportedly blocked the TIB account without any clear reason, supposedly under instructions from the DSS. The group’s inquiries to the bank have not yet received a response.

According to him, the security agencies should rise up to the challenge and ensure their presence at all protest locations across the nation.