Nigeria

Unauthorized Meetings and Public Processions Banned due to Erupting Violence

In Makurdi, the State Capitol of Benue, Nigeria, had an outbreak of violence after an Appeal Court ruled in favor of the PDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party). The ACN (Action Congress of Nigeria) lost the hearing and its supporters were no where near ready to go home and sulk about it. To make matters even more toxic, the PDP planned a large, public celebration in order to bask in their victory. The celebration was quickly dismembered due to outraged ACN loyalists. The blood and violence which occurred had deep impacts on the victims attending the celebration. The ACN rebels inflicted property damage and physical damage to their rivals. One PDP victim said, “If I had not been quick to shield my head with my arms, I would have had my brains spilled.” The violence was ended relatively quickly, once armed Police Mobile Units arrived. Authorities are still investigating who the specific suspects were for such tremendous acts of violence inflicted on the victims attending the celebration.

The PDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) and the ACN (Action Congress of Nigeria) held a court issue which involved having an Appeal to the Court. At that point in time, tension was high, as well as the rivalry associated after the court hearing. Turning out to be in favor of the PDP, loyalist of the ACN planned to retaliate against the victors. Once the ACN learned about the soon-to-be celebration of the PDP supporters, violence was on their agenda. ANC rebels destroyed the celebration, decimated their property (including burning of cars), and violently attacked PDP enthusiasts. The destruction was quickly terminated when armed Police Mobile Units arrive. The number of critically injured is still unknown, as well as the suspects. The victims narrowly escaped death due to unmitigated ACN violence. Police investigators are currently on the trails of ACN suspects, however, identifying suspects will pose many difficulties due to the mass confusion and the stampede of people during the attack.

Realist

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/

http://www.gbooza.com/group/crime/forum/topics/rumble-in-makurdi-as-police-read-riot-act-to-party-protesters#axzz1YjvfX7Cg

September 22, 2011 at 10:45 pm