TheNewsGuru

Tag: Protest

  • VDM, youths protest, demand end to killings in Benue

    VDM, youths protest, demand end to killings in Benue

    Angry youths on Sunday stormed the Wurukum food basket roundabout to protest the alleged killing of scores of residents by suspected herdsmen in Yelwata, in Benue State.

    The protesters converged on the Wurukum food basket roundabout Makurdi as early as 8 am to demand action over the alleged killing on Saturday in Yelwata.

    They were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.

    Speaking to journalists, one of the protesters, Solomon Amande, said Benue youths were angry at the deafening silence of President Bola Tinubu, and the governor of Benue State despite the killing of children, women, and the elderly.

    An attempt by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, to address the protesters was resisted as they told him to tell the governor, Hyacinth Alia, to come personally to address them.

    They were later confronted by armed policemen and soldiers who attempted to stop them, leading to an escalation and the use of tear gas at the protesters.

    However, the defiant protesters said they would resist any intimidation, calling on the President and the governor to take action.

    The protest came amid incessant attacks that have resulted in the deaths of innocent people across the state.

  • Benue youth protest killings, block highways in Makurdi

    Benue youth protest killings, block highways in Makurdi

    Hundreds of youths in Benue on Sunday took to the streets to protest the continuous attacks, killings, and displacement of people in the state.

    The protest followed the killing of scores at Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area on Friday night.

    The protesters who converged at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi called on the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility, which is to protect all the citizens within its sovereignty.

    They also urged security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure that all displaced people return to their ancestral homes and continue with their normal lives.

    Speaking to newsmen, Mr Brahms Ikuan said the state was under siege for a long time and there were not sufficient efforts for the government to address the menace.

    Ikuan regretted that even when they had useful information about the movement of the attackers and reports to authorities, nothing was still done to avert the attacks.

    He further accused the authorities of maintaining a conspiratorial silence on the ongoing genocide, adding that Benue may cease to exist if urgent steps are not taken to end the killings.

    “We cried, sent messages and opened letters, but nobody listened to us. Nobody came to our aid. At this moment we are not sure if there will be any place called Benue tomorrow.

    “Despite the attacks and killings in Yelwata yesterday, up till now, no word from the government or any prominent person. They have abandoned us.

    “We want the world to know that Benue is being wiped out on the face of the earth and nobody cares about what is happening,” he said.

    Also, Mr Gideon Inyom accused the government of giving the herders unfettered access into the Benue communities by relaxing the state anti-open grazing law.

    Inyom said all they wanted was security of lives and property, adding that such was the primary responsibility of every government worldwide.

    However, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, told newsmen at the scene that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over the security of the state.

    Ifeanyi said that the IGP has already deployed special forces to the state to end the attacks and killings.

    The CP added that security agencies were on top of the situation and urged the youths and Benue people to give the new forces a chance.

    “What you saw happening in Yelewata yesterday is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West, and are moving seriously in Agatu. They just want to do something to show that they are in control while they are not and will never be.

    “We are feeling more pains than you. We are here to protect lives and property. We have security everywhere now; even in Yelwata there are tactical teams in the bush even before the attack.

    “Give the special forces and tactical teams a room to work. If you prolong your stay here, you are giving the enemies more time to plan.

    “We have intelligence reports of their movement, and we are blocking them, and you will see the end result,” he said.

    Ifeanyi further disclosed that Gov. Hyacinth Alia has given them all the logistics support needed to restore peace in Benue.

    A military helicopter was spotted in the sky at Wurukum Roundabout as the protest against herdsmen killings intensified.

    The protesters turned down the Deputy Governor Dr Sam Ode’s request to address them.

  • Sowore fumes over protest disrupted by thugs

    Sowore fumes over protest disrupted by thugs

    Mr Omoyele Sowore, the leader of End Bad Governance protest, said that the peaceful protest on Thursday, was aimed at raising public awareness of citizens’ rights to democratic participation.

    Sowore, a former presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), in a chat with journalists in Akure, said the protest was also to speak out against bad governance.

    He explained that a letter had been written by the group’s legal counsel to the Commissioner of Police on the rights of citizens to hold the peaceful protest.

    Sowore, however, alleged that despite the letter, the peaceful protest was disrupted by thugs.

    “What is so sad is that a letter had been written by a lawyer to the Commissioner of Police.

    “The letter was not to plead with the police that we want to protest, but just to remind them of their duties as policemen to protect people in the country.

    “It’s shocking that they failed in that responsibility because they have aided thugs to disrupt this protes.

    “The Commissioner of Police did promise that something would be done, but we’ve given him a matching order that if something is not done, we’ll come back here and take over the place.

    “Nobody has the right to prevent another Nigerian from expressing themselves, and that is why, you see, I’m always in the crosshairs of the police, whether the person oppressed is a policeman, or whosoever.

    “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.

    Also, Mr Tope Temokun, a human rights activist, said that the protesters had formally requested the intervention of police to ensure the safety and protection of peaceful protesters scheduled to take place in Akure.

    Reacting, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, said that no policeman would be allowed to associate with thugs.

    “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,” he said.

  • June 12: Democracy Day protests to hold in Lagos

    June 12: Democracy Day protests to hold in Lagos

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh has met with 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and reached conclusion that Democracy Day protests will hold in the State on Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the meeting was held at the CP’s office and it was agreed that the protesters must ensure concern for public safety and security in their activities and conducts during the June 12 celebration.

    The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, confirmed that half of the CSOs present confirmed they would celebrate the day peacefully, while the rest intended to protest in an orderly and non-disruptive manner.

    Hundeyin said all CSOs were urged to ensure protests remain peaceful and are not hijacked by miscreants or troublemakers. He added that they were advised not to disrupt traffic, public peace, or the lawful celebrations of other Nigerians on Democracy Day.

    “All protesting groups agreed to converge on Ikeja Under-Bridge simultaneously and jointly proceed to Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota to protest. It was also agreed that no protest will take place anywhere else except at the only designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.

    “The CSOs assured the Commissioner of Police that they will communicate the outcome of the meeting and the resolutions reached to other CSOs not in attendance to ensure widespread compliance.

    “The meeting emphasized the importance of adhering to all security measures to protect lives and property across the State. All CSOs were urged to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and is not hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants to cause mayhem or chaos in the State.

    “Furthermore, they were advised not to disrupt free flow of traffic, public peace, law and order, so as to enable millions of other well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate Democracy Day freely without hindrance,” Hundeyin stated.

    The Command reaffirmed its commitment to providing adequate security for Lagos residents throughout the Democracy Day festivities. Hundeyin encouraged members of the public to remain law-abiding and maintain the peace currently enjoyed in the state.

    He urged residents to celebrate Democracy Day freely and go about their daily activities without fear or anxiety. Residents were advised to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity or persons to the nearest police station without delay.

    Emergency or assistance requests can be made via the Command’s control room numbers: 08063299264 and 08065154338.

  • New York police arrest over 20 anti-ICE protesters in Trump Tower

    New York police arrest over 20 anti-ICE protesters in Trump Tower

    New York City police on Monday arrested 24 people who staged a sit-in at the lobby of Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan to protest against deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    This is according to multiple media reports.

    Protesters demanded that the Trump administration bring back everyone deported to El Salvador and return them to their families so they could receive due process in court.

    “Bring them back! Bring them home!’’ chanted the protesters as police officers placed them in zip-tie handcuffs and police vans.

    Police also arrested a few anti-ICE protesters around Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on Monday, following the arrest of around ten such protesters on Saturday.

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Monday that violent protests like the ongoing anti-ICE clash in Los Angeles would not be tolerated, and New York City would always be a place to peacefully protest.

    Trump redirects dissent from govt. to enemy within

    As a master of distraction, U.S. President Donald Trump has used the recent street protests in Los Angeles to redirect antagonism against his administration toward “an enemy within,’’ The Guardian has reported.

    On Saturday night, Trump signed an order to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, where protests sparked by sweeping immigration raids had led to clashes between authorities and demonstrators.

    While the White House said Trump was sending in the guardsmen to “address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester’’ in California.

    Critics also saw it as an authoritarian flex by a strongman president who had relentlessly trampled norms and burst through guardrails, said the British daily on Sunday.

    “Since returning to office in January, Trump had sought to crush dissent at cultural institutions, law firms, media companies and universities.

    “Many believed it was only a matter of time before he took the fight to the streets.

    “Trump is the master of distraction and, with the help of lurid rightwing media clips, wants to divert attention from policy failures and his ugly feud with Elon Musk,’’ it said.

    It stressed that the protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids present Trump with an antagonist that can be used as a focal point for anger, hatred and fear.

    It ensured that dissent was redirected away from the government and toward an enemy within.

    It was the first time in 60 years that a president has activated a state’s National Guard a reserve military without a request from its governor, said the report, citing experts.

    Protests in Los Angeles against ICE raids carried into a fourth day Monday.

    Tensions in parts of the city had escalated Sunday as thousands of protesters took to the streets in response to the deployment of National Guard.

    California on Monday sued the Trump administration for deploying the Guard without consulting Gov. Gavin Newsom, a move the governor had called illegal and immoral.

    In a social media post earlier Monday, Newsom said Trump “illegally acted to federalize the National Guard,’’ adding, “We’re suing him.’’

  • Trump deploys National Guard over California immigration protests

    Trump deploys National Guard over California immigration protests

    The National Guard will be deployed in California as protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles continue, the White House said on Saturday.

    The protests began on Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers executed search warrants across the city.

    According to the US Department of Homeland Security, around 1,000 protesters attacked ICE officers on Friday. United States Border Patrol chief Michael Banks wrote on X that several arrests had been made on Saturday for alleged assaults on federal agents.

    US President Donald Trump had signed a memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen “to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester,” the White House said.

    The ICE operations were “essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States,” the White House said.

    “In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens,” the statement said.

    “The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice.”

    US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned in a post on X that the US military may also be deployed.

    “If violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert,” he wrote.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom urged people not to use violence.

    “The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” he wrote on X.

    “Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.”

    Moments before Trump’s announcement, Newsom wrote on X that any move to deploy the National Guard would escalate tensions.

    “That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions,” he wrote.

    “The federal government is sowing chaos so they can have an excuse to escalate. That is not the way any civilized country behaves.”

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said it was a difficult time for the city.

    “Many in our community are feeling fear following recent federal immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles County,” she wrote on X.

    Reports of unrest outside the city were deeply concerning, she said.

    “Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”

  • Federal workers demand arrears, threaten protest

    Federal workers demand arrears, threaten protest

    Civil servants under the Federal Workers Forum have appealed to the Federal Government to pay outstanding arrears, including wage awards and promotion allowances.

    In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, and copied to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the forum urged urgent action to address long-standing issues affecting federal workers.

    The group noted that the challenges had worsened, particularly since the removal of fuel subsidy.

    The letter, signed by Mr Andrew Emelieze, National Coordinator, Mr Itoro Obong, National Secretary, and Mr Razaq Oseni, Publicity Secretary, emphasised the growing frustration among workers.

    They noted that ten months had passed since the implementation of the new national minimum wage, but full compliance remained a problem.

    “We call on you to ensure full implementation of the minimum wage by June 30, 2025, and immediate payment of ten months’ arrears dating back to August 2024,” the letter stated.

    They also demanded payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance in June salaries, along with ten months’ arrears, and the introduction of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) by June.

    The group condemned the selective payment of wage awards and urged the government to ensure all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) received the first tranche and any pending arrears.

    They also demanded the payment of promotion arrears owed over the years, particularly to judicial workers and staff of tertiary institutions and the federal health sector.

    Other demands include the reinstatement of leave bonuses, payment of 13th-month incentives, hazard allowances, and a long service award.

    Additionally, the forum warned against borrowing from the contributory pension fund, stressing it was not intended for government loans.

    The letter expressed hope for prompt government action, emphasising that timely intervention would prevent the need for federal workers to escalate their demands through physical demonstrations.

  • Just in: Team Ogun, block venues of ongoing National Sports Festival over unpaid allowances

    Just in: Team Ogun, block venues of ongoing National Sports Festival over unpaid allowances

    Athletes representing Ogun State at the ongoing National Sports Festival have launched a protest over the non-payment of their allowances, disrupting scheduled events and barricading access to key competition venues in Ogun State.

    According to a post shared on Facebook by Patrick Omorodion, a source close to the festival, the protesting athletes obstructed the entrance of the Games Village situated at Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo.

    “Team Ogun athletes are protesting non payment of allowances and blocked the entrance of the Games Village at Babcock University at Ilishan-Remo.

    This may jeopardize the events of this morning as athletes are locked from proceeding to competition venues at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto and the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja. Most hit are the cycling contingent whose events are supposed to start at 8am.”

    He further added that the protest could throw the day’s lineup of events into disarray.

    The source also described the situation as a major embarrassment for the host state.

    “Shame as Team Ogun athletes block gate to Games Village at Babcock University over non payment of their allowance by Ogun State government. Athletes who have events this morning are now stranded.”

    This is coming barely four days after the media reported that Nigerian athletes competing in the 10,000m final at the ongoing Sports Festival were forced to run in darkness after the floodlights at the newly renovated MKO Abiola Stadium suddenly went off mid-race.

    A video obtained captured the chaotic moment when the stadium lights failed, plunging the track and field into near-total darkness while athletes struggled to continue the race.

    A journalist who witnessed the incident described the scene as “shameful” and “dangerous.”

    “Stadium lights went off during the 10,000m final at the National Sports Festival.

    Athletes were forced to run in the dark. This is unacceptable in 2025,” the journalist said.

    “Those responsible must be held accountable — such negligence has no place at the National Sports Festival.”

  • Rano LG boss sues for calm following violent protest

    Rano LG boss sues for calm following violent protest

    The Chairman of Rano Local Government Area in Kano State, Malam Naziru Yau, has appealed for calm following a violent protest that erupted in the town after the death of a 25-year-old man, Abdullahi Musa.

    The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a confrontation between the deceased and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area, CSP Muhammed Baba-Ali.

    The situation escalated when angry youths launched an attack on the Rano Divisional Police Station, allegedly setting it ablaze and destroying vehicles.

    The DPO was reportedly assaulted and led to his death in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

    Reacting to the development during a news briefing on Tuesday in Kano,the chairman condemned the violence and emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence among the residents and security agencies.

    “We are deeply saddened by the ugly incidence. Violence is never the answer to any disagreement.

    “I urge all the residents to remain calm and allow the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation,” he appealed

    Ya’u commended the police for arresting those involved in the violent protest and urged a thorough investigation to ensure the release of innocent persons

    He further assured the public that the local government was working closely with the security operatives to prevent a recurrence of such ugly incidents.

    The council boss urged the community leaders and religious clerics to engage with the youth and promote dialogue and reconciliation.

    The chairman commended the Kano State Police Command for its prompt action and the Commissioner of Police for visiting Rano.

    Ya’u also commiserated with the people of Rano Emirate over the death of the youth and the Nigeria Police over the death of the DPO, and the people of Nasarawa State.

    He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace, security, and development across the local government area.

    NYCN demands probe into DPO’s killing

    Meanwhile, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of CSP Baba Ali, a Divisional Police Officer in Kano State.

    The Police Command in Kano confirmed the killing on Monday, along with the burning of the Rano police station.

    The DPO was reportedly killed by angry youths in Rano town, Rano Local Government Area, sparking widespread condemnation and concern across the country.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, NYCN National President, Isah Abubakar, expressed sorrow and described the incident as a grave national loss.

    “CSP Baba Ali served with dedication and integrity. His commitment to peace and security must be recognised and remembered,” Abubakar stated.

    Abubakar urged the Federal Government to launch an impartial investigation, calling for cooperation among relevant agencies to reveal the circumstances of the officer’s death.

    He emphasised that the investigation must be transparent, keeping the victim’s family and the public informed at every stage.

    The NYCN president also demanded justice not only for CSP Baba Ali but for all Nigerians striving for safety and security.

    He called on the government to adopt measures that strengthen security forces and ensure better protection for officers on duty.

    “The death of CSP Baba Ali underscores the urgent need for united efforts against violence. Government must act decisively to prevent similar tragedies,” he added.

  • Women protest alleged pollution at Kaduna refinery

    Women protest alleged pollution at Kaduna refinery

    Women from Nissi, Kapam, and Rido communities staged a protest on Monday at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), over alleged chemical pollution that has reportedly affected their health, farmland, and livelihoods.

    The protesters, who gathered at the refinery as early as 6:00 a.m., accused the company of allegedly releasing a harmful chemical in August 2024, which they claim led to widespread illness, destruction of crops, and the death of livestock.

    Mrs Juliana Abrak, Women’s Leader of the Nissi community, said the chemical emission had rendered farming activities impossible and left many residents sick and hungry.

    “We are suffering. There is no food, and we have to go elsewhere in search of something to eat. We have fertile land, but we are too afraid to farm,” she lamented.

    She also criticised the company’s alleged failure to engage with the protesters, in spite their presence at the premises since 5:00 a.m.

    Mrs Kelita Yaguda, a resident of Kapam, recounted her own experience with the suspected chemical exposure.

    “They took some of us to hospital but only gave us paracetamol and ulcer medication. They promised to treat us for a week but only attended to a few people for two days,” she said.

    Yaguda added that no medical tests were carried out, and the community has been left to manage ongoing health issues and worsening food insecurity.

    “Some of our children have even resorted to stealing out of hunger. We are more than 500 people, yet fewer than 50 received any form of assistance,” she added.

    Mrs Lydia Moses, a women’s leader from Kapam, said that KRPC officials had repeatedly claimed compensation would be provided by authorities in Abuja, but no support had materialised.

    “They came in December, documented the damage, and promised a response within two weeks. It’s now May, and nothing has been done. Our crops have failed, our livestock have died, and some women have even suffered miscarriages,” she said.

    The women called on both KRPC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd to take urgent action to address their health concerns and to compensate affected families.

    As at the time of filing this report, KRPC officials had yet to respond to the protesters.