Sowore Accuses Thugs of Disrupting Peaceful Protest in Akure

Activist, Omoyele Sowore has accused thugs of disrupting a peaceful demonstration in Akure, Ondo State capital, despite prior notification to the police.

The #EndBadGovernance protest aimed to raise awareness about citizens’ rights to democratic participation and speak out against bad governance.

Sowore condemned the disruption, emphasizing citizens’ rights to express themselves. He accused the police of failing to provide adequate security, despite formal notification.

“We are not going to accept it. We are not, and that’s why we have come here today. These hired thugs came to sabotage and hijack the protest. They came to attack the peaceful protesters,” he said.

Human rights activist Tope Temokun corroborated Sowore’s account, stating that the protesters had formally requested police intervention to ensure their safety.

However, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, denied allegations of police complicity, saying, “With the level of training we have received both locally and internationally, we will not allow any policeman under my watch to have anything to do with thugs. So the allegation that maybe police connived with thugs to attack the group is baseless.”

Similar incidents have occurred in other states, including Kano and Delta, where protests were marred by violence, looting, and casualties.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, 2024, were sparked by economic hardship and bad governance in Nigeria, resulting in clashes between protesters and security forces, fatalities, injuries, and arrests.