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Tag: Take it Back movement

  • Take it Back Movement: Ondo Police warn against protest

    Take it Back Movement: Ondo Police warn against protest

    The Police Command in Ondo State has warned residents to shun the planned ‘Take it Back Movement’ protest scheduled to hold on Monday in the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Monday in Akure by DSP Ayanlade Olushola, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).

    Olushola, who said that the command acknowledged the constitutional rights of all citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, said the warning was due to the credible intelligence received regarding a planned protest.

    According to him, it is imperative to note that the timing of the planned protest is highly inopportuned, given the prevailing security challenges.

    “The effort of the command is to stabilise the security situation across the state, and we are concerned that such a gathering could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

    “This could lead to a breakdown of law and order, thus rolling back the security gains we have collectively achieved in Ondo State.

    “We, therefore, urge the leadership of the ‘Take It Back Movement’, their supporters, and other interest groups to embrace constructive dialogue as a means of addressing grievances.

    “If they take to the streets in such a manner, it may heighten tensions and heat up the polity,” he said.

    Olushola explained that the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, had directed all area commanders, tactical team commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPO’s) to intensify the deployment of personnel.

    Read Also: NANS meets Ondo Police Commissioner over attack on students

    The PPRO said Afolabi also directed the deployment of operational assets to all identified public spaces and critical infrastructure to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

    According to him, the command reassures the good people of Ondo State of its unwavering commitment to safeguard their fundamental rights and freedom.

    He, therefore, called on parents and guardians to dissuade their wards from engaging in acts that could disrupt the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

    “The general public is hereby encouraged to go about their lawful business without fear, as adequate security measures have been put in place to guarantee the safety and protection of all citizens.

    “Also, the command urges residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or any other security agency nearest to them,” he said. (NAN)

  • BREAKING: Protesters storm streets in Abuja, Lagos

    BREAKING: Protesters storm streets in Abuja, Lagos

    Protesters have taken to the streets of Abuja and Lagos despite repeated warnings from the police. 

    The demonstrations, organised by the Take It Back Movement, are underway in several parts of the country.

    In Abuja, activist and movement leader Omoyele Sowore was joined by Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer, as they led demonstrators in defiance of police efforts to disperse them.

    In Lagos, a group of protesters was seen with placards in Ikeja, the state capital, continuing their march.

    However, in Rivers State, protest efforts were short-lived. Organisers who had gathered at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt were met with teargas from security operatives before the protest could gain momentum.

    The Nigeria Police Force had earlier issued a strong statement condemning the protest’s timing, as it coincided with National Police Day, newly designated by the federal government to honour officers of the Force.

    ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, said the protest “appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police and, by extension, the nation.”

    Read Also: Police, protesters head for showdown in Lagos, Abuja

    In the statement, Adejobi noted: “The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called ‘Take it Back Movement’ is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.”

    He continued, “While not against the exercise of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.”

    Adejobi further stressed, “In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horns by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.

    “The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is, however, questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.”

  • JUST IN: Tight security in Abuja over planned protest

    JUST IN: Tight security in Abuja over planned protest

    Following the planned protest by a group ‘Take it Back movement’ kicking against anti-cyber security law, Rivers emergency and others, the police have beefed up security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially in the city centre.

    The Nation observed a police helicopter hovering round the nation’s capital monitoring happenings from around 10am.

    Though the protesters are not out on the streets yet, security operatives have been deployed across Abuja.

    The police warned that it would not take kindly to a protest it described as ‘potential unrest or confrontation’.

    Read Also: NLC planned protest over telecom tariff not in public interest – CSOs

    Force Headquarters on Sunday through a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the action as that of “subversive elements” acting on the pretense of economic hardship.    

    Roads leading to the Eagle Square have been barricaded by security operatives.

    There are fears of possible showdown between the police and the protesters.

    Some residents, who spoke to our correspondent, urged security operatives to handle the situation without crisis.