Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has described the looting of public and private business by “protesters” as the handwork of criminals.
In a statement on X, Keyamo mentioned that armed robbers now operate in “broad daylight” under the guise of legitimate demonstrations.
Keyamo’s statement comes after hoodlums in some states hijacked the nationwide demonstrations which started on Thursday.
Chronicle NG reports that hoodlums, under the guise of demonstrations, broke into the Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC, in Kano State, looting properties.
The looting and destruction of properties during the demonstrations has led to the imposition of curfew in various states like Kaduna, Yobe, Kano, and parts of Katsina State.
Reacting to the ugly turn of the protest, Keyamo said, “What has simply happened is that those who were already inclined to robbery or are already armed robbers at night have been given the license and opportunity to commit their crime in broad daylight under the guise of a ‘legitimate’ protest.
“Hence the caution that, though peaceful protests are legitimate, you don’t call for a protest when you don’t have the capacity to determine its trajectory.”
The Federal Government has called on the demonstrators to shelve their demonstrations, stating that they are open to dialogue.
However, the organisers of the demonstrations have vowed to keep demonstrating until their demands are met.
