The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed concern that the hunger protest, which began on August 1, 2024, has turned violent in several states across Nigeria, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
As predicted and warned by MURIC, the protest has been hijacked by unruly elements.
In a statement released on Friday by its Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC called on the organizers of the protest to immediately halt the demonstrations to prevent further chaos and loss of life.
Akintola said in the statement: “The hunger protest took place in several states of Nigeria yesterday, Thursday, 1st August, 2023. Although it was peaceful in some states, it became violent along the line in others with some lives allegedly lost and several buildings and vehicles torched and destroyed.
“Some residents were reportedly attacked in some places while cases of snatching of phones, harassment and intimidation of innocent passers-by were rampant. It was looting spree in some states with protesters seen carting away brand new executive chairs, standing fans, etc. There is no scintilla of doubt that this protest has been hijacked. The conveners are no longer in control.
“MURIC is vindicated. We warned earlier that this kind of protest was most likely to be hijacked but the conveners were adamant. Even attempts by the security agents to restrict the protest to designated places in order to minimize untoward incidents were rebuffed by the planners.
“We strongly condemn this blatant resort to violence without any provocation whatsoever. It is heartless, barbaric and demonic. Nonetheless, we commend those protesters in certain states who conducted themselves with decorum and salute leaders who controlled their followers effectively.
“In view of the tornado of violence and destruction unleashed on the nation on the first day of a demonstration which is scheduled to last ten days, in view of the fact that this protest has been hijacked and the conveners are no longer in control, we hereby charge the conveners, planners and leaders to immediately show maturity and responsibility by calling off the protest.
“The voices of the protesters have been heard and they have made their mark. A second or third day of protests is capable of setting Nigeria ablaze.”
