The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has criticized the organizers of the nationwide protests that took place yesterday, saying that violence, looting, and destruction could have been avoided if they had followed police guidelines.
Speaking at the 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.”
He added, “While 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.”
Egbetokun explained that the police had advised the organizers to hold their protests in confined locations to ensure safety and prevent violence. He said, “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.”
Despite the police’s efforts to maintain peace, Egbetokun said that the protests turned violent. “Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest,” he stated.
The Inspector General of Police reported widespread destruction, including attacks on police stations, government buildings, warehouses, and shops. He said, “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 Abuja, protesters ignored a court order to hold their demonstration at the National Stadium and instead marched through the streets. Egbetokun noted, “At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.”
The violence also extended to attacks on security personnel, with reports of a police officer being killed and others injured. Egbetokun said, “In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel.”
There were also security threats beyond the violence. Egbetokun revealed, “Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device.”
He continued, “Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.”
Egbetokun urged Nigerians to heed police warnings and cooperate with security agencies. “Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country,” he said.
He also addressed the issue of court orders, stating, “How do you serve court orders to faceless people? They were carrying their plans and mobilization on social media, and the court order was served to them on social media. The intentions of these so-called protesters are not genuine.”
The police chief assured that the force is prepared to handle further threats and urged protesters to remain peaceful. “We will not allow this to happen again,” he warned.
