Sowore Challenges Military Over Aso Rock Protest Restrictions

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has questioned the deployment of military personnel around the Presidential Villa during a protest held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over the country’s security challenges.

Sowore spoke on Thursday after participating in a peaceful demonstration aimed at drawing government attention to the worsening insecurity across several parts of Nigeria. According to him, protesters who moved towards the Presidential Villa encountered a large number of security personnel stationed around the area.

He said the group decided not to engage the soldiers and police officers on duty, maintaining that the protest was peaceful and did not require any confrontation. Sowore argued that citizens have the right to demonstrate peacefully and make their concerns known to the government.

The activist maintained that public institutions belong to Nigerians and should remain accessible to citizens acting within the law. He also stated that security agencies are funded by taxpayers and exist to serve and protect the people.

Sowore said the protest attracted different groups, including women and children, who joined the march to demand stronger action against insecurity and the growing cases of kidnapping across the country.

The demonstration formed part of ongoing calls for urgent measures to address the abduction of students and other victims in various states. Participants urged the government to intensify efforts aimed at protecting communities and securing the release of those still in captivity.

The protest comes amid rising public concern over recent attacks on schools and communities, particularly in Oyo and other affected states. Civil society groups, labour unions and activists have continued to mount pressure on authorities to improve security and prevent further incidents.

Despite the security presence around the Presidential Villa, the protest remained peaceful, with participants using the occasion to express their concerns over the state of security and the need for more decisive action from the government.