Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has pointed accusing fingers to those it described as fifth columnists for the recent destruction of properties across the country.
The #EndSARS protests turned bloody on Tuesday night after security agents opened fire at peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos State.
This led to destruction of properties and loss of lives, particularly in Lagos.
MURIC, in a statement issued on Thursday, signed by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, hailed the young Nigerians for demanding an end to police brutality but appealed for calm so as to allow the government to actualize their demands.
“They [Nigerian youth] showed ingenuity in the coordination of the welfare of fellow protesters thereby lending credence to the ‘not too young to rule’ mantra.
“However, we are saddened by the carnage which attended the protests in the last 48 hours. The level of destruction and its geographical locations convince us that it was not the handiwork of the youths who started the demonstrations.
“There are also strong indications that the attacks on prisons where hardened criminals were set free was not carried out by our young ones. Neither was it part of their plan.
“Fifth columnists have infiltrated the rank and file of the protesters. The Lagos scenario is another cup of tea entirely. We are inclined to believe that the only logical explanation for the carnage in Lagos is the involvement of non-indigenes.”
According to MURIC, the attacks on palace of the Oba of Lagos, TVC, The Nation newspaper, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s mother’s house, may have been a “combination of deliberate misquotation and political motivation. We condemn this wanton destruction.”
Many well-meaning individuals and organisations have since condemned the government decision to use force on the protesters and also appealed to the youths to allow peace to reign.
Calling for calm on all sides, MURIC urged the security agencies to stop killing young Nigerians.
