In a bid to guide against the breakdown of law and order in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), natives of Abuja, have given the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, 48-hours to end the unwarranted series of protests by the Shi’ite Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), sect.
The group, in a strong worded statement, warned that further protests by the IMN in the nation’s capital, might be rebuffed by the indigenous people of Abuja.
The natives, under the aegis of the Coalition of Abuja Indigenous Association (CAIA), described the recent protest by the IMN, as constituting nuisance in the society, and warned that if the government fails to take decisive steps to tackle the group, it might escalate.
“We are disturbed by the recent protest by Shi’ites movement to the National Assembly, which turned violent and left many residents with various degrees of injuries and destruction of property. We are sad because the Shi’ites group is not the only aggrieved group in this country. We the indigenous people of Abuja, are equally aggrieved over so many issues, ranging from Ministerial slot, and deliberate marginalisation of our people.
“We did not take the laws into our hands, but we have conducted ourselves peacefully, even in the face of provocation by Security Agents. Therefore, we do not see any reason why a certain group will disrupt the peace of our land. At this point, we are giving the Federal Government 48 hours to end the Shiites protests, or we might do it our own way.”
He advised the Shi’ites group to relocate to Kaduna, to press home their demands, noting that, the crisis started in Kaduna State.