NIGERIA: Kwara Governor Distances Govt From Assault On Female Protesters, Orders Arrest Of Perpetrators

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has condemned the attack on female protesters by suspected hoodlums outside the gate of the state’s under-construction Government House, describing the incident as unacceptable and contrary to democratic values.

The governor’s reaction follows widespread public outrage after a viral video surfaced over the weekend, showing women protesting against recurring bandit attacks and kidnappings being physically assaulted by unidentified individuals in Ilorin.

In a statement issued on Monday, the governor reaffirmed that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right and distanced his administration from the incident.

The governor said: “I am enraged at footage showing some hoodlums attacking women protesters near the under-construction Government House gate over the weekend.”

The governor stressed that the women acted within the law by expressing grievances over insecurity, affecting their families and communities.

He further stated: “Peaceful protest is a democratic right. Assault on protesters is unacceptable, and that should never have happened.”

Abdulrazaq noted that his administration’s record over the past six years has been anchored on democratic principles, respect for liberty, and the rule of law.

He mentioned:“The protesters were within their rights to express their views. Our principles for the past six years encapsulate decency and respect for democracy, liberty, and order.”

He further disassociated the Kwara State Government from the actions of the attackers.

“I, therefore, distance myself from the incident as it does not represent our views as a government.”

The governor directed the Nigeria Police Force to identify and arrest those involved in the assault, assuring residents that accountability would be enforced.

He emphasized: “I have requested the police to fish out the attackers and bring them to account.”

Addressing broader security concerns in the state, Abdulrazaq said the government was intensifying efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping, citing the recent deployment of forest guards as part of a wider security strategy.

He noted: “Just on Saturday, December 27, I personally led the passing out parade of armed forest guards whose mandate includes flushing out kidnappers and terrorists from our forests. We are launching an offensive on the criminals.”

He urged residents to support government initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security across Kwara State.

“We urge understanding and support in the campaign against banditry and terrorism of any kind.”