The CLEEN Foundation has issued a preliminary statement concerning the ongoing protests occurring simultaneously across Nigeria. The Foundation acknowledges the undeniable right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and notes that the #Endbadgovernance protest began today with significant peaceful conduct.

In its commitment to public safety and security, CLEEN Foundation has launched the ‘National Protest Situation Room’ to monitor and evaluate the situation, ensuring that the right to peaceful assembly is upheld and public safety is maintained. Volunteer monitors have been deployed nationwide to observe law enforcement conduct and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights. Prior to the protests, CLEEN Foundation organized a virtual dialogue with key stakeholders to discuss crowd management and control measures. This dialogue emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to respect fundamental rights while maintaining order.

In the North Central region, including Niger, Nassarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the protests initially began peacefully in the FCT but later turned tense as security forces deployed tear gas. There were reports of hoodlum attacks on travelers along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. In Plateau, the protest remained peaceful with police cooperation, while in Niger state, reports emerged of shootings by law enforcement, resulting in deaths and injuries.

In the North West region, encompassing Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kebbi, Kano State imposed a 24-hour curfew following unrest. During the protests, the NCC Digital Innovation Park was looted and set ablaze. Similar attacks on government property were reported in Kaduna State. In the North East, including Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno, a 24-hour curfew was declared in Maiduguri, Borno State, and parts of Yobe State due to violence and destruction during protests.

In the South South region, consisting of Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa, protesters looted a storage facility in Urora, Edo State, while Rivers State remained calm. In the South West region, including Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Lagos, protests were met with heavy security presence but remained peaceful with police cooperation. In the South East region, comprising Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo, unknown gunmen attacked DSS officials in Imo State, although this did not disrupt the relatively peaceful protests in Enugu State.

CLEEN Foundation observed that the protests have been more peaceful compared to previous incidents, with notable cooperation from law enforcement and minimal violence in many areas. However, issues such as curfews, vandalism, security interference, and casualties were noted.

In conclusion, CLEEN Foundation urges the public to remain cautious, uphold the rule of law, and avoid the destruction of property. The Foundation remains committed to supporting the issues raised by protesters and calls for restraint and constructive dialogue from all parties. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.