The United Nations on Sunday condemned attacks on its assets in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.
Hoodlums had during the week broke into the branch office of the UN in Calabar to vandalise furniture, cars and office equipment. The hoodlums also looted some valuables.
In a tweet by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, via his Twitter handle @EdwardKallon, he said “The @UN_Nigeria strongly condemns attacks on its assets in #Calabar by vandals who were out to discredit the peaceful protests to end police brutality.
“I call on youths to exercise restraints and engage in dialogue with the Government on their legitimate demands.”
The UN had on Wednesday called for an end to reported police brutality and abuses and condemns the violent escalation on 20 October in Lagos which resulted in multiple deaths and caused many injuries.
A statement signed by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, noted that the Secretary-General, António Guterres expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
“He calls on the Nigerian authorities to investigate these incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“The Secretary-General urges the security forces to act at all times with maximum restraint while calling on protestors to demonstrate peacefully and to refrain from violence.
“The Secretary-General encourages the authorities to swiftly explore avenues to de-escalate the situation. He reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to support national efforts towards finding a solution,” it stated.
Meanwhile, Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state starting from 6 pm on Friday.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the governor, Christian Ita, the curfew followed “the hijacking of the peaceful protest against police brutality in the state by hoodlums.”
“Residents of the state are advised to observe the curfew as security agents have been mandated to arrest anybody who flouts it,” the governor warned.
