Tension is building in Abuja as the United States Embassy has issued a strong security alert to its citizens over the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest set to rock the nation’s capital on Monday, October 20.
The protest, championed by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, will reportedly begin at Eagle Square and move toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Sowore described it as a “historic” and peaceful march for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
But the US Embassy isn’t taking chances. In a statement on its website, it warned of possible violence, roadblocks, and gridlock across the Federal Capital Territory.
“There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” it said.
The Embassy urged American residents to stay away from protest areas, avoid movement, and keep children at home.
“The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja to stay home as well,” the statement added.
Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya, is currently facing terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The alert also advised US citizens to be vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and keep phones charged for emergencies.
“Avoid areas where protests are taking place. Avoid crowds. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests,” the advisory warned.
Security analysts say Monday’s protest could paralyze major routes in the city as tensions rise over Kanu’s prolonged detention.
