Exclusive: “We were deceived, paid N1000 to march to the Presidential Villa” (photos)

– According to the leader of the group, the march was to show appreciation to the President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian military for the successes recorded against the Boko Haram insurgents

– Disappointment, anger, displeasure are just a few adjectives to describe the look on the faces of these young Nigerians after walking from the federal secretariat to the Presidential Villa on Thursday, April 21

The North East Coalition Against Terrorism (NECAT) disregarded Nigeria army’s statement and embarked on a solidarity march to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Alhaji Babangida Haliru, president general of the group said the march was to show support to President Muhammadu Buhari, General Buratai and members of the Nigerian armed forces over recent successes recorded against members of the Boko Haram terrorist sect.

The walk which commenced from the federal secretariat at 12noon was terminated at the primary entrance of the Villa by officers of the Nigeria police at 1.05pm.

It was observed that members of the groups were found loitering around premises at about 1:30pm.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram launches new recruitment strategy

Although most members declined comments, Adah Daniel a student told who spoke to NAIJ.com correspondent in smattering English urged Nigerians who have fled states affected by the Boko Haram insurgency to return home.

When asked why they were still at the Villa entrance, Daniel said: “The ‘Bros’ that asked us to come wait after the protest, so we cannot go now.”

His colleagues quickly cautioned him not to make further comments on the issue hence his reply: “There is no message about that for now. “

A member of the group spoke to NAIJ.com on the condition of anonymity revealed that there were paid N1,000 each by a dark-skin young man popularly called “Bros” (slang for ‘brother’) and will receive the balance after the solidarity march.

READ ALSO: Sharia council reveals links between Boko Haram, Shiites

“That black man over there gave us N1,000 in the morning and brought some of us from neighbouring towns. Others are based here but I came from Abaji.

“Most of us are students on holidays so we decided to come because he said we’ll see President Muhammadu Buhari and get extra cash in the Villa but police have stopped us,” he said feeling disappointed.

Efforts to get “Bros” reaction to the allegation yielded no fruits as he was seen speaking with security operatives at the entrance to the Villa.

See more photos below:

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