Interests have hijacked protests – Northern elders raise alarm

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on has called on youths to end the ongoing EndSARS protests across the nation.

In a statement signed by the Director, Publicity and Advocacy of the group, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the elders said it appeared the protest had been hijacked by some people for selfish reasons.

According to Baba-Ahmed, “The Forum had released a statement a week ago in which it drew attention to the fact that there were genuine grounds for anger at accumulated grievances around the security and welfare of Nigerians, especially in the North.

“We had advised that governments must embark on far-reaching changes and reforms, and introduce policies that should improve security and the economic well-being of Nigerians.

“These protests have registered tremendous success, including acceptance of responsibility for the federal government to abolish SARS and undertake further action towards improving accountability of operatives and institutions.

“Unfortunately it now appears that other interests have taken over these protests and are compounding our collective security. Like most Nigerians, the Forum is alarmed at criminal acts such as attacks on specific persons, emptying prisons, molesting innocent citizens and attacking policemen.

“We are very concerned that these acts of criminality suggest that other interests with criminal intent or subversive goals have taken over these protests.

“If these acts continue, as they will unless we bring these protests to an immediate end, every law-abiding citizen, including protesters who are pursuing legitimate goals, are in danger. The Forum does not believe that this is part of the agenda of the overwhelming majority of protesters,” he said.