In a surprising turn of events, the Middle Belt Youth Forum has decided to delay their planned peace walk advocating an end to kidnappings and killings in the region.
As learned by Quest Times, the group, in collaboration with Africa’s Morning Centre, made this decision following discussions with Federal Government representatives.
The government cited President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at a nearby function as a security concern, leading to the suggestion of rescheduling the peaceful demonstration to a more suitable date.
Chima Christian, Executive Director of Africa’s Morning Centre, on Wednesday, explained, “Despite having previously secured firm arrangements, Nigerian authorities have, late last night, requested that we postpone the solidarity peace walk scheduled to hold in Abuja today. They have instead asked that we work with them to choose another date that is mutually convenient.
“According to them, the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, will be attending a function near the location/route of the planned peace walk.”
Expressing disappointment over the forced delay, the group stated, “While the room for suspicion of foul play and underhand tactics exists, we have, as law-abiding citizens, chosen to work within all acceptable state protocols.”
Moreso, they apologized for any inconvenience caused and reassured their commitment to organizing the peace walk in the near future.
Originally, the Middle-Belt Youth Forum had intended to protest against increasing kidnappings in the region, with plans to march peacefully to the Attorney-General of the Federation’s office.
This announcement came in the wake of the military’s arrest of 10 suspected bandits.
The forum’s President, Brent Kane, had highlighted the need for the government to declare kidnappers and bandits as terrorists and called for an end to the alarming levels of violence across the country.
The planned demonstration coincided with the seventh day of captivity for 19 abductees taken from the Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutsen-Alhaji area.
Tragically, four hostages were killed, including a 400-level student of Biological Science from Ahmadu Bello University.
The remaining hostages, including two students, await release as the kidnappers demand a N700m ransom for nine victims.