Police tightens security around Aso Rock over Sowore’s planned protest

Anti-riot policemen on Thursday cordoned off the main entrance to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja and restricted access to the State House as security agencies moved to contain a planned protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore.

Journalists observed a heavy deployment of officers in full riot gear stationed at the Villa’s entrance, allowing access only to individuals with valid State House identification tags, while others attempting to approach were turned back by security personnel.

The heightened security followed Sowore’s announcement on Wednesday that he, alongside members of the African Action Congress (AAC) and the Take It Back Movement, would lead a march from Eagle Square to the Presidential Villa at 8:00 a.m.

According to the AAC presidential candidate, the protest is intended to pressure the administration of President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to rescue schoolchildren abducted by suspected bandits in Oyo and Borno states.

“You cannot claim to be president of Nigeria and then refuse to do the job of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. We are not here to beg anybody,” Sowore said, insisting that leaders must fulfil their responsibility to protect citizens.

He added: “It would have been great if the number of policemen preventing this march could instead protect our schools,” while warning that the children of security personnel could also become victims if schools remain vulnerable to kidnappers.

The planned demonstration was triggered by the May 15 abduction of nearly 39 students and seven teachers in Oyo State, as well as 42 pupils in Borno State.

In response, President Bola Tinubu deployed 1,000 forest guards and other security personnel, including specialised rescue units drawn from various security agencies, to track down the abductors and secure the safe release of the victims.