By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Security was heightened around the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday as armed anti-riot police officers were deployed to major access routes leading to Aso Rock ahead of a planned protest by human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The Merit Newspaper gathered that security personnel mounted barricades at the main entrance of the State House, restricting access to only individuals with valid identification and official clearance.
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The increased security presence follows Sowore’s announcement that he would lead members of the AAC and the Take It Back Movement on a march from Eagle Square to the Presidential Villa under the banner #OccupyAsoRock.
According to Sowore, the protest is aimed at drawing attention to the continued abduction of schoolchildren in parts of the country and demanding stronger action from the federal government to secure their release.
Speaking ahead of the demonstration, Sowore criticised the government’s handling of the security situation, arguing that protecting citizens, particularly schoolchildren, remains one of the primary responsibilities of government.
He also urged security agencies to focus more on safeguarding schools and communities threatened by kidnappers rather than deploying large numbers of personnel to monitor peaceful demonstrations.
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The planned protest comes amid growing public concern over recent kidnappings involving students and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, incidents that have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for urgent government intervention.
As of Thursday morning, security operatives remained stationed around the Presidential Villa, while authorities monitored developments surrounding the proposed march.
