By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Socialist Alternative (SA) has condemned the attack and arrest of peaceful protesters in Area 1 Abuja on Wednesday.

The protesters had gathered under the banner of “North is Bleeding”to express their displeasure over the high level of insecurity in the country, especially the high level of killing in the North andkidnappings.

The protesters displayed banners and placards with various inscription which include, “Buhari doesn’t care about you”, “Stop kidnapping and killings in Nigeria”, etc.

A statement on Thursday morning by SA’s spokesman,Dimeji Macaulay, said the protest was important at this material time to in other to call the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to the security crisis ravaging the North and the entire country.

The statement partly reads: “It is shameful that the police can forcefully disperse unarmed peaceful protesters that are worried about the level of insecurities in the country but cannot guaranty lives and properties of Nigerians.

“According to report by Premium Times on December 12: At least 63 people were killed in various attacks by non-state actors across Nigeria last week (December 5-11).

“A review of the figure shows an over 200 per cent increase when compared to the previous week when 25 people were reported killed. The killings continue unabated in many parts of North West and North East.

“For us in the Socialist Alternative there’s need for a national discourse on how the security in Nigeria has deteriorated to this level and what Nigerians can do to defend themselves in this period.”

It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Henry Nwobodo, Moses Abraham and two others, saying that the only crime they committed was standing up against wanton destruction of properties and ongoing killing by the bandits and other non-state actors.

SA also called for community self defense committee by the peopleto confront the menace of killings.