The first day of EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria erupts in violence, leading to a police crackdown and increased vigilance.
The Inspector General of Police in Nigeria, IGP Kayode Egbetokun expressed concern on Thursday evening about the widespread nature of the ongoing protest against bad governance across the nation.
In several Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, citizens hit the streets to kick off a scheduled 10-day demonstration against prevailing difficulties in their nation.
Nevertheless, the initial day of the demonstration saw numerous incidents of violence and looting in major cities resulting in several fatalities among protesters.
Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe Bauchi States and also FCT Abuja along with Niger Jigawa and Nasarawa states witnessed the most pronounced flashpoints.
Several states have implemented a curfew as an effort to manage the situation.
During a press conference, the IGP criticized the protest organizers for their absence and requested that they bring an end to it.
According to him, the security agencies’ previous intelligence that the protest would become violent had been proven correct.
He expressed with great seriousness, “As I speak tonight, a weighty responsibility rests on my shoulders. On multiple occasions prior to August 1st, 2024, we issued numerous warnings based upon credible intelligence that certain groups planned to initiate nationwide protests. Our administration possessed information suggesting these organizations were mobilizing young members for the purpose of instigating violent demonstrations and promoting societal chaos.”
Although some groups purportedly rallying for peaceful protests were actually imparting violent undertones, they declined to collaborate with the Police regarding strategies that could ensure a non-violent demonstration.
The Police suggested that the protests be postponed due to the intelligence gathered. However, if organizers were insistent on proceeding with their plans, they were advised to confine their protest locations.
If this had been done, the police could have offered sufficient security to the demonstrators and separated out those criminals who aimed to engage in looting and destruction under guise of protesting.
We were carrying out this action to fulfill our obligation of safeguarding people and possessions, as well as upholding regulation.
We acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to gather and voice their opinions on national matters, but we were cautious about potential hazards arising from certain people who exhibit disloyalty towards the current government inciting agitation.
Although we were suspicious, we demonstrated goodwill by maintaining professionalism and stationed security personnel at key locations to guarantee a peaceful protest as promised by the organizers.
Our nationwide deployed men received a clear directive to guarantee that there was no unwarranted harassment or intimidation. We provided instructions for compliance with court orders in areas where they were present.
Unfortunately, occurrences in several prominent cities today demonstrated that the intention behind them was to incite a mass revolt and plundering rather than peaceful protest.
The individuals who were most vocal about endorsing the protest did not emerge as leaders. Innocent Nigerians have been targeted by lawless criminals, resulting in looting and devastation of their hard-earned businesses and property.
The rioters had two primary motives, which were to loot and destroy both private and government property. The extent of destruction thus far has been staggering.
Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe and Bauchi are among the states that have experienced destruction. Additionally FCT Abuja as well as Niger and Jigawa have also been affected. Police stations have suffered damage; government buildings were almost taken over while governmental infrastructures including several warehouses and shops were plundered or completely demolished on numerous occasions.
He expressed disapproval that despite the protesters in FCT refusing to comply with a court order requiring protests in Abuja to be held at the National Stadium, they still gathered on the streets and were provided security by police. He emphasized that their fundamental rights were not violated even though they disregarded a court order.
Unprovoked attacks on security personnel have been recorded in various locations including FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe. Reports indicate that one policeman was killed while others sustained serious injuries during these incidents.
Earlier, we had issued a warning that terrorist groups could exploit the demonstrations as an opportunity to slip suicide bombers into the mix of protesters. Yesterday in Lagos, our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team received word about a potential IED on Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja. The EOD unit acted promptly and successfully neutralized what was ultimately confirmed as an improvised explosive device (IED).
A blast in Borno State marked today’s events, claiming four lives from the gathering protesters and leaving 34 others with severe injuries. A number of those injured remain at risk.
Our message is to encourage law-abiding Nigerians to take heed of the warnings issued by both police and other security agencies. These alerts are grounded on reliable intelligence that can be acted upon, so they should not be taken lightly or overlooked.
Due to the ongoing circumstances, all units of the Nigeria Police Force have been put on high alert. Our officers are completely ready and willing to react promptly and firmly in order to prevent any additional dangers or disturbances that may arise for the public’s security and stability.
Our dedication to safeguarding lives and property, as well as upholding the rule of law throughout the country remains steadfast and unwavering.
Those hiding behind the pretense of exercising a constitutional right to disrupt the nation should realize that the Constitution also obligates them to obey national laws and honor fellow citizens’ rights.
If necessary, the Police will receive aid from other security organizations such as the military to handle the ongoing circumstances effectively.
During this difficult time, we urge all members of the public to maintain composure and collaborate with law enforcement as well as other security entities.
Ensuring unbroken peace and stability in our nation is of paramount importance to us, hence we remain committed to implementing all essential safeguards aimed at your safety.
