A Facebook page identifying with Nigerian military personnel has issued veiled threats to activist Omoyele Sowore ahead of an October 20 protest demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s release, sparking public outrage.
On Thursday, the page made veiled references to the planned peaceful protest, posting a sarcastic message indicating awareness of the rally.
A Facebook page known as Nigerian Military Gallery, which identifies itself as being dedicated to personnel of the Nigerian armed forces, has issued what appears to be a subtle threat against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore ahead of the planned October 20 march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to demand the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The page’s profile describes it as being “dedicated to the men of the Nigerian armed forces (Army, Navy and Air Force), who work tirelessly day and night to achieve peace and tranquility in our country.”
On Thursday, the page made veiled references to the planned peaceful protest, posting a sarcastic message indicating awareness of the rally.
“Sowore and his cohorts have chosen 20th October for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. We don hear,” one of the posts read.
In another post, the page drew a parallel to the 2020 EndSARS protests, writing, “EndSARS protest 20th October.
“#FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest 20th October.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Earlier on Thursday, Sowore announced October 20 as the date for a protest march to the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock), Abuja, to demand the release of the IPOB leader, who has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
Providing an update on the planned peaceful march on Thursday morning, Sowore said, “We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7am.”
On Tuesday, Sowore called on political leaders and other stakeholders from the South-East region to join him in a peaceful march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to demand the immediate release of the IPOB leader.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore stated that he was ready to set aside political differences in pursuit of justice for Kanu.
“I will set aside my differences with some politicians for one cause,” he wrote.
“I challenge every politician or person of good conscience from the Southeast who says they want Nnamdi Kanu released to stop the rhetoric. Time for action is NOW. Let’s march to the Aso Rock Villa.”
Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, urged prominent figures from the region, including governors, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders, to take concrete steps beyond verbal support for Kanu’s release.
He specifically tagged Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, challenging them to join in the protest.
“No more empty noise. Let Governor Soludo (@CCSoludo), Senator Abaribe (@SenatorAbaribe), Alex Otti (@alexottiofr), Peter Obi (@PeterObi), and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person,” he said.
Sowore stressed that the march would be peaceful and lawful, aimed at demanding justice and an end to what he described as the persecution of Nnamdi Kanu.
Since the renewed campaign for Kanu’s release, the movement has attracted broad support, including from Abia State lawmakers, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, MASSOB founder Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, and Kanu’s special counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.
The Facebook page’s veiled posts prompted widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians warning that the military must not repeat the deadly excesses seen during the October 2020 #EndSARS protests.
Nigerians Condemn Subtle Threats
Commenters vowed to turn out on October 20 and rejected any hint of intimidation. Others warned that any heavy-handed response would spark mass resistance and called on authorities to respect the rights of peaceful protesters.
For instance, reacting to one of the posts, Oluseyi Oba Olomola, wrote, “As you come hear wettin you go do.”
“Una go act another leki toll gate movie?” Ekezie Chukwuemeka.
Alex Tagwai wrote, “Hear very well, we will all be on the streets that day.”
Mallangsdavid Loma said, “If you dare do anything silly revolution will take place.”
Also, Agafo Joseph wrote, “Na only peaceful protesters Nigeria army fit threaten, bokoharam dey paipai you everyday you never see that one.”
Lucky Oriaku, who questioned the military’s aversion to peaceful protests, asked, “What is the problem of military with peaceful protest?”
Boy Miles said, “Wen we go get una time,even ur uniform cannot save u… See werey wey we dey fight for.”
“I’m disappoint that you don’t want Nigeria to grow is that the reason you give bandits peace talk and become their photographer?” De Greta wrote.
Another Facebook user, Prosper Chisom, said, “That is why bandit dey dealt with una for north were una go get power una no go get.”
“After retirement your eyes go open, we are waiting to hear your cry on social media telling us how they denied you your retirement benefits,” Ozor Jeaniarius Uche Ozor, said.
Mhizta Hector wrote, “Nigerian Military Gallery the way this country be you like am? Talk truth o, you like am?
“I understand say una must follow orders o but the hardship dey hit all of us.
“I know say na for Nnamdi Kanu dem wan do the protest, but you sha know say Nigerians no suppose to dey suffer like this despite all the money wey our country get.”
Onyekachi Okwubuiro James said, “Stop bringing Nigeria Army too low. They have their spokesman and don’t hide under this platform to useless our galant soldiers.”
“Go ahead and do your usual Nah,” Chinedu Francis Jnr Eze said.
In a defiant tone, Eriugo Tochukwu Nelson wrote, “You guys can’t kill us all. Relax.”
THIS STORY ORIGINALLY APPEARED AT SAHARA REPORTERS