The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said last night that the killings, destruction and lootings that trailed yesterday’s nationwide protest would have been avoided if the conveners had harkened to the advice to follow guidelines provided by the police to ward off hijack of process.
Speaking at Force headquarters, Egbetokun said: “You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on August 1, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal showing the intent of some groups to foment trouble and create anarchy in the country.
hile some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to ensure the protest remained peaceful.
“Based on this intelligence, the Police advised that the protests be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.
“This would have enabled the police to provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest.
“This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.
“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 are disloyal to the government.
“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 deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated.
“Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Instead, hoodlums were let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property.
“The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy 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 has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have been so far looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.
“In spite of the refusal of the protesters for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the at National Stadium, they instead trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them.
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