Daniel Akinte
A wave of outrage has swept across social media following the arrest and detention of over 1,000 protesters who were demanding better governance in Nigeria.
The arrests, which were reported by Punch Newspapers on Saturday, have sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of attempting to silence dissent and suppress citizens’ rights.
The peaceful demonstrators were taken into custody, prompting calls from the online community for their immediate release. The incident has intensified concerns about the state of civil liberties in the country and whether the government’s actions will stifle the growing discontent among the populace.
Social media users quickly mobilized in support of the detainees, with many expressing their anger and frustration.
Ajiboye Ayodele Joseph, a Facebook user, warned of further protests if the government fails to release those in custody. He stated, “There should be a new one if they fail to release those in their custody where every man, old or young, will be in the streets. Let’s see how many they will be able to arrest.”
Another user, Alamu Adeleke, defended the protesters, emphasizing that they are not enemies of the state. “Let them stay in prisons if they were enemies of Nigeria who destroyed public infrastructures, displayed foreign flags in Nigeria, and collaborated with domestic/foreign sponsors,” he said.
Yahaya Tajudeen, another Facebook user, criticized human rights organizations for their perceived silence, urging them to speak out against the government’s actions. “Let human rights organizations learn to speak where and when they ought to speak. Let them stop all this hypocrisy!” he declared.
Other users, like Aliyah Musa Ari, called for the immediate release of the protesters, warning of a potential nationwide protest if their demands are not met. “Let them release them now or face another nationwide protest,” she wrote.
Ibileye Benjamin Sunday also criticized the government, accusing President Tinubu of hypocrisy. “Tinubu is a scam. When he protested severally in other administrations, nobody teargassed him, nor was he imprisoned. He has lost the 2027 election already. Scammer President!” he stated.
Some users, like Olayiwola Olushola, differentiated between the protesters and those involved in criminal activities during the unrest. “The ones in prison are those who went about looting and vandalizing private and public properties. The real protesters have resumed their businesses,” he said.
Others, like Akusinwa Akusinwa, expressed disbelief and frustration at the government’s actions. “Tomorrow they will still deny that there was no arrest. Nonsense government, killers of good things,” he wrote.
Otaru Lawal pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that those arrested were likely supporters of the ruling party. “They arrested the people that voted for APC and Tinubu. You voted for a leader, the leader put you in prison because you are hungry. IRONY OF LIFE,” he remarked.
Aladejuwon Juwon, meanwhile, pleaded with human rights organizations to raise their voices louder in defense of the detained protesters. “Human rights, please speak louder,” he urged.
