FCTA Bans #EndSARS Protests In Abuja

The Security Committee in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT has announced that street demonstrations are prohibited in Abuja as part of efforts to review the security situation to address identified challenges in the city.

Rising from its routine meeting held on Tuesday, October 14, the committee expressed satisfaction with the directive issued by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

According to a press release by its Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, the committee noted that despite the pronouncement by the IGP scrapping the SARS, the #EndSARS protests continued in some parts of the FCT adding that the protesters caused inconveniences to law-abiding citizens.

The Committee stated that though it recognizes the rights of citizens as regards freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the constitution, however, it noted that the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols.

It was also observed that the violation of the COVID-19 protocols endangers the lives of not only the demonstrators but also other citizens going about their legitimate businesses.

Everyevery.ng gathered that the meeting which was chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello had the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, heads of the various security agencies and military formations in the FCT in attendance.

Others are senior members of the staff of the FCTA, representatives of religious and traditional institutions as well as Area Council Chairmen.