Security Beefed Up In FCT Ahead Of Second #BringBackOurGirls Meeting With Jonathan

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Tuesday, October 14th, 2014

From Ganiyu Nasirudeen

Apparently to check likely break down of law and order while the exercise lasts, security early Tuesday morning was beefed up around the two main gates of the Presidential Villa, FCT, Abuja prior to another #BringBackOurGirls protest.

The rally which was expected to be led by the former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has earlier been scheduled for today, with the high point of having audience with President Goodluck Jonathan to articulate the safe release of over 200 abducted Chibok girls, Borno state, who had been held hostage six months ago.

The group has planned to start the procession from Unity Fountain, through the Federal Secretariat, then to the Presidential Villa.

The unexpected development was a clear indication that contrary to the expectation, the group might not be given audience by the President and access into the Villa after all.

The security operatives at the two main entrances was a combination of Police and military attached to the Brigade of Guards.

Similarly, visitors entering and leaving the Villa were subjected to thorough searching by the men of the Department of State Security (DSS).

It would be recalled the Tuesday rally would have been the second, having staged the first early this year, where they met with some Ministers.

The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide during the protest responded on behalf of the Federal government that further grievances on terrorism and its effects should henceforth be channeled to the insurgent groups and not to President Jonathan.