Nigeria cautions against violent protests amid insecurity

The Nigerian government on Tuesday cautioned individuals or groups planning to embark on any demonstrations or processions to ensure that they were conducted peacefully and in accordance with laws of the land.

In a statement made available to Xinhua in Lagos, the nation's economic hub, Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau decried the spate of violent demonstrations in the country and emphasized that democracy provided different channels for citizens to convey their grievances without resorting to violence.

The minister maintained that no serious government would fold its arms and allow security breach that threatened the peaceful co-existence and sovereignty of its society.

He said in view of this, the ministry of Interior had mandated all security agencies under its supervision, including the Police Force, to ensure safety and security of all law abiding citizens as guaranteed by the constitution.

He urged Nigerians to be very vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security agency.

Dambazau assured that security had been beefed up in all strategic locations such as motor parks, airports, mosques, churches, markets and all other public places.

He called on Nigerians to support the government in its efforts to ensure security of lives and property in line with international best practice. Endit