Nigeria: Govt Orders Forces to ‘Shoot on Sight’ to Stop Clashes

Okon Bassey

24 March 2011

Uyo — Disturbed by Tuesday’s mayhem in Akwa Ibom State as a result of the clash between the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), President Goodluck Jonathan has directed security operatives in the state to take effective control of the situation.

Already government has ordered a shoot on sight of anybody planning to cause more violence in the cause of political campaigns in the state just as 51 suspects have been arrested in connection with the riot.

Reacting to Tuesday’s crisis in the state, ACN said the attack left no fewer than 20 of its members dead, 50 wounded, vehicles and motorcycles damaged, allegedly on the orders of the state government.

Fielding questions from newsmen Wednesday, Governor Godswin Akpabio said “what is happening now in Akwa Ibom State is organised attack on the citizens of the state to create a state of fear and to create a state of insecurity. This is part of their plan.

“Also they are trying to see if they can provoke ethnic rivalry so that it will look like if various ethnic groups in the state are fighting and they will call for a state of emergency like what is happening in Jos. Tuesday was the climax of its all.”

I want to assure you that there is no citizen alive has the right to kill and maim others and destroy property and go away free. This has nothing to do with politics.

“Every person involved will be brought to book no matter the political connotation they want to read to it. This is no longer politics.

“You cannot go and destroy over 800 brand new cars. 500 Keke Nape, edifies in place burnt down, kill people and went ahead to cut private part of PDP members. This is outright criminality you cannot kill the very people you want to rule.

“We have taken action to ensure protection of lives and property. The President has called out security agencies from all nooks and crannies of the state and we have given order at shot at side of anybody that wish to cause more criminaities in the state”, Akpabio said.

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