Reactions Trail Pro-Kanu Protest in Aba Amidst Heavy Security Presence

Reactions have continued to trail the pro-Nnamdi Kanu protest held in Aba, Abia State, on Thursday, amid a heavy deployment of security personnel across parts of the commercial city.

The protest, tagged the “Free Nnamdi Kanu One Million March,” attracted supporters from different locations and also drew the participation of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore, while addressing the protesters who gathered to welcome him to Aba, criticised the large number of soldiers and other security operatives deployed to the city during the demonstration. He argued that such strong military presence would be more useful in areas battling insurgency and terrorist attacks in the country.

He clarified that he was not the organiser of the protest but said he attended out of his belief in justice and equity, stressing that the continued detention of Kanu raises concerns about fairness and national unity.

According to Sowore, Nigeria cannot make meaningful progress when any ethnic group feels unfairly treated, adding that Kanu should be released to reunite with his family, especially before the Easter celebration.

The protest, organised by supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), initially began around Faulks Road in Aba but was dispersed by security operatives. The protesters later regrouped at the Samek area of the city, where the demonstration continued with a larger number of participants.

Meanwhile, security presence remained noticeable in different parts of the city as soldiers and other operatives monitored activities to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

In Umuahia, the state capital, the situation remained calm, with police patrol vehicles seen moving around major streets to maintain peace and public order.