The #EndSARS protest started peacefully but was unfortunately hijacked by hoodlums who are still on a rampage; looting and destroying public and private property. While attempts are being made by security operatives to restore order to the society; it is also needful for them to modify their approach in handling the issue of an already fragile polity, just like a military officer did in Kubwa, Abuja.
In a couple of social media videos gone viral, some security operatives have been spotted making an effort to change their approach in maintaining law and order in the society without the use of brute force. But one particular video of a military man in Kubwa, Abuja, admonishing some hoodlums against looting the National Youth Service Corps camp, caught the attention of many Nigerians who have since been singing his praises over his approach to handling the situation.
Watch the video here:
Wonderful speech by the men of the Nigeria Army live from kubwa Nysc orientation camp, Abuja@OgbeniDipo @falzthebahdguy @davido @wizkidayo @segalink @renoomokri pic.twitter.com/JwXhUCVdHZ
— Adesina Oluwagbemiga Peter (Miles Peter) (@miles_adesina) October 27, 2020
Nigerians understand too well how our security operatives, especially the military and the police, often resort to the use of brute force against civilians for the slightest of mistakes and sometimes, for ridiculous reasons. But now is not the time to employ such methods because the indiscriminate use of force against civilians is what has brought us down to where we are today.
Seeing a security operative act against the norm is indeed commendable because it is not a common sight in this clime; no wonder some Nigerians have lauded the military man for his effort at containing the situation without the use of force.
No doubt, different situations call for different approaches. However, our security operatives might want to take a cue from the officer in Kubwa who tactfully handled a situation with dialogue to avert further civil unrest.
Reactions:
This officer used good de-escalation technique.
Everything should not be gums and bulletsWelldone to him.
His types are not common in the army…— Dammy-yo (@NurseDammy) October 27, 2020
What happened next, the same place was still vandalised and looted.
— ademolake olalekan (@lekky29) October 27, 2020
Sad, but it doesn't invalidate his efforts. Engagement should be followed by swift actions to reconcile. De-escalation in this instance will happen quickly if scape goats in police, in political offices are fished out and forced to face the full weight of the law. Until then…
— Adeposi Okupe (@adeposiokupe) October 27, 2020
Yes I understand, but without force been apply they cant do anything to stop the looting and those guys know.
— ademolake olalekan (@lekky29) October 27, 2020
Govt should be working on best ways to get the looters to decide to stop by themselves. Applying force in one area can spark more violence in other areas + we do not even have enough security operatives with adequate training & discipline to carry out such operation successfully
— Adeposi Okupe (@adeposiokupe) October 27, 2020
He probably wanted to avert 2 things i.e. looting of the nysc camp and bloodshed if the soldiers get provoked and open fire.
He couldn't prevent the looting but at least shooting was averted…
— Dammy-yo (@NurseDammy) October 27, 2020
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