United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued security alerts to their citizens in Nigeria, warning of potential violence during planned nationwide protests against hunger and hardship starting August 1, 2024.
Gatekeepers News reports that the protests, scheduled to take place across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, have raised concerns among foreign governments about the safety and security of their citizens.
In separate travel advisories, the three countries cautioned their citizens to avoid areas where confrontations between security agencies and protesters might occur.
The US Mission in Abuja urged Americans to steer clear of crowds and demonstrations, while the UK High Commission warned British nationals to exercise caution and avoid large crowds.
“Political rallies, protests, and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid. Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety,” UK Govt said.
The Canadian government also alerted its citizens about the demonstrations, advising them to expect disruptions in traffic and public transportation.
“Nationwide demonstrations are planned between July 29 to August 5, 2024. They could disrupt traffic and public transportation and could turn violent at any time.”
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation of Take It Back Movement, stated that the Eagle Square in Abuja is a public property and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has no choice but to allow protesters to demonstrate. Adenola blamed bureaucratic bottlenecks for the delay in delivering a letter to the minister seeking permission to use the facility.
The protest organizer emphasized that hunger is a great motivation for the protest, saying, “The organisers of the protest are hungry Nigerians; they are a host of unemployed Nigerians, they are a host of hopeless Nigerians who are roaming the streets.” He added that security agencies should make themselves available at all protest venues to maintain order.
