The Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno State has criticised the killings and destruction of property witnessed in the state as hoodlums hijacked the nationwide hunger protest in Maiduguri.

The Executive Director, NECSOB, Bulama Abiso, stated this in a statement in Maiduguri on Friday.

Mr Abiso advocated calm and called for investigation into the matter.

He said, “The leadership of NECSOB is concerned about the unfolding situation surrounding the protests in the state. While acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful protest, we also recognise that this right is not absolute, as it confers on every citizen the responsibility to respect the rights of others. Sadly, we have received information from across the state on the number of deaths since the commencement of this protest. They are alarming, unacceptable, and uncalled for.’’

Urging citizens to comply with the curfew imposed on the state to restore law and order, Mr Abiso urged security personnel to operate with decorum and according to the dictates of the laws.

He urged the public to cooperate with the security agencies in fishing out the hoodlums who were out to take advantage of the protest and report them to the authorities.

“We call on the authorities to investigate the destruction of property, rampant killings and shootings recorded within the span of a few hours of the protest. NECSOB is calling on stakeholders to embrace dialogue to amicably resolve the issues. We also call for calm to avert further loss of lives and property. The state is ours and it’s our responsibility to build and protect it from anything that will tamper with its peace and development,” Mr Abiso said.

Maiduguri is now calm as police relax the 24-hour curfew from 12 noon to 3p.m. which enabled Muslim faithful to observe the Friday prayer.

In their different sermons, many Imams of Friday mosques in Maiduguri sued for peace and the need to embrace dialogue towards prevailing peace.

(NAN)