The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says 1, 350 of its personnel are guarding public facilities in Ebonyi in spite of the residents not joining the nationwide hunger protest.

The state commandant of the corps, lijah Willie, said this during an interview with journalist in Abakaliki on Thursday.

He said the proactive move was in line with the discharge of the corps’ responsibilities to Nigerians.

Mr Willie said the command was aware that miscreants capitalise on protests to carry out mayhem.

“We deployed 550 personnel to protect facilities and lives of citizens in Abakaliki including the custodial centre while the others were deployed to the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

“State commandants of the corps were mandated from the headquarters to ensure adequate protection of lives and properties, especially critical infrastructure.

“We were also enjoined to respect the rights of the citizens to protest but ensure that such was not violent or destructive,” he said.

He said the stakeholders summit convened by Gov. Francis Nwifuru on the eve of the protest assisted security agencies in maintaining law and order in Ebonyi.

“The summit attracted all segments of Ebonyi people where the people aired their views on what should be in the best interest of the state.

“They resolved that there would be no protest in the state to prevent loss of lives and destruction of properties. The governor also met with security agencies,” he said.

Willie advised protesters to embrace dialogue as it was a constructive way of making their grievances known to the appropriate authorities.

“When you are complaining of economic hardship and at the same time destroying property, you are worsening the situation.

“The cost of repairing damaged property might be double of the initial cost and the same government you are directing the hardship at will still face the challenge of repairing the properties,” he said.

(NAN)