The IGP confirms a police officer’s death and injuries to others amidst protests. Read about the tragic turn of events and its impact.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police (IGP), has verified that a police officer lost his life and numerous others were wounded amidst the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations across Nigeria last Thursday.
He observed during his press briefing in Abuja that individuals posing as protestors instigated violence against police officers and vandalized stations.
During a briefing held in Abuja, Egbetokun disclosed that some officers sustained injuries from persons who had infiltrated the protests by posing as demonstrators.
According to Egbetokun, the rioters were involved in extensive looting instead of peaceful protests and caused numerous police stations to be engulfed in flames.
He expressed his displeasure over the lack of presence by the protest leaders and accused them of enabling criminal elements to take control of proceedings.
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Egbetokun stated that government buildings have been targeted for takeover and police stations have suffered destruction, in addition to widespread looting of public and private property.
The spate of violence was not restricted to Abuja alone. Reports have come in from multiple regions, such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Kano and Gombe. The IGP revealed that there were instances of unprovoked attacks on security personnel leading to one death and severe injuries for many others.
All units of the Nigeria Police Force are on high alert due to the increasing violence.
Egbetokun gave an assurance that the officers are thoroughly prepared and poised to respond promptly in upholding public order and safety.
The #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, which kicked off on August 1st of the year 2024, have escalated into violence in multiple regions such as Kano, Borno and Yobe states along with Nasarawa state plus Abuja.
Looters and rioters torched vehicles while also ransacking private stores alongside warehouses. The police resorted to tear gas usage for breaking up protester crowds – act that social groups strongly disapproved of . In response , curfews are now enforced across various areas .
Nigeria’s severe inflation and economic crisis, resulting from the government’s recent policies on petrol subsidy removal and forex unification, have caused a surge in food costs and basic commodities. The protests were triggered by this situation, which was further fueled through social media platforms.
Despite warnings from authorities, which included the police, military, and Department of State Services – who feared a recurrence of the 2020 EndSARS unrest – youth demonstrators have remained steadfast in their cause despite appeals by politicians to abandon it.
