…… puts police on red alert
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun says a police officer was murdered on Thursday during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.
Speaking in Abuja at a briefing, Egbetokun said some police officers were also injured while some stations were razed by hoodlums who disguised as protesters.
“In light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to public safety and order,” the IGP said.
He said the events in major cities were “mass uprising and looting, not protests”.
Egbetokun lamented that the leaders of the protests were not around to lead the rallies despite the initial warnings of the police, noting that hoodlums took over the demonstrations.
“Police stations have been destroyed. There have been attempts to take over government houses,” he said.
The IGP further said, “While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.
“Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged. Our men nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure no one was unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for the observance of the same.
“Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. Those who were at the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was two; looting and destroying both private and government property.
“The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there have been attempts to take over government houses, looting government infrastructures, and several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, destroyed
Egbetokun reiterated that in light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert.
“Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order. We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.
“Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercising a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens. The Police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
“We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period. Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country, the statement concluded.
