“Bandits in the city”: Yoruba leader condemns violent protests

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Following the nationwide protest against socioeconomic hardship in the country, the President of the Yoruba Welfare Group, AbdulHakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has called on the government and Nigerians to address the root causes of hunger and anger in the country.

In a statement on Sunday, Alawuje said that finding the root causes of the socio-economic hardship in the country was the only way to guarantee a brighter future for youths.

“The time has come for all of us – including government officials, community leaders, and citizens alike – to come together and address the root causes of hunger and discontent in Nigeria. Only by doing so can we ensure a brighter future for our youths and for the nation as a whole,” the statement said.

The statement further noted: “In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a series of protests across its regions to protest against hunger. It is undeniable that hunger is pervasive in the country, affecting millions of citizens. However, the way this issue is being addressed, particularly by some segments of the youths, raises serious concerns about the future of our nation.

“We must begin by acknowledging that hunger exists everywhere in Nigeria. Yet, as the saying goes, cutting off the head is not a solution to a headache. This metaphor aptly describes the current situation where some youths, instead of addressing the root causes of their frustrations, have turned to destructive behaviours that undermine the very essence of their cause.

“The Federal, State, and Local Governments have a significant role to play in guiding our youths away from the path of political manipulation and towards constructive engagement. Unfortunately, many youths have become tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians, transforming into political machinery for miscreants who have little regard for the well-being of the nation.

“While the issue of banditry in the rural areas is well-known, a new, equally dangerous trend is emerging within our urban centres. These so-called ‘bandits in the city’ may not have access to arms and ammunition, but their actions during recent protests reveal a willingness to cause widespread harm and destruction. These individuals, hiding under the guise of ‘peaceful protest’, have shown that they are not merely expressing their frustrations but are ready to commit organised crimes.

“Protests, in essence, are a legitimate means for citizens to voice their concerns, especially when they feel marginalised by the government. However, when protests turn into opportunities for looting, destruction of lives and property, as well as organised crime, the line between peaceful demonstration and criminal activity becomes blurred. These acts of violence are not driven by genuine hunger or dissatisfaction; they are the work of hidden criminal elements supported by those who seek to destabilise the country.

“The unfortunate truth is that many of the protests we have seen were organised, financed, and supported by individuals with ulterior motives. These protests, rather than serving as a platform to address the hunger crisis, have instead exposed a darker reality – that many of those involved are trained thieves, looters, and destroyers.

“It is particularly disheartening to see prominent Nigerians, religious leaders, and political figures lending their support to such destructive activities. One must wonder what these individuals plan to tell Almighty God when called to account for their actions.

“Beyond the immediate loss of lives and property, these protests have also had a devastating impact on the moral fabric of our youths. Instead of being guided towards productive and peaceful means of expression, many youths have been goaded to loot, destroy, and engage in criminal behaviour. This raises serious questions about the future of our country and the direction in which we are heading.

“Nigeria’s youth are the future of this nation. It is therefore crucial that we find a way to distinguish between those who genuinely seek change and those who are merely exploiting the situation for their gain. The recent protests have shown us that there are more bandits in our cities than in the bushes, and this should be a cause for alarm.

“While hunger is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed, the manner in which we respond to it must be carefully considered. We must resist the urge to destroy and instead focus on constructive solutions that will benefit all Nigerians. The organisers of these protests knew what the outcome would be, and they have succeeded in tarnishing the image of the president and his administration. But in doing so, they have also done immeasurable damage to the future of our nation.”