The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the killing of a police officer during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests on Thursday.
Egbetokun made this known during a briefing in Abuja, lamenting the destruction in several states, including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Niger, Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that many warehouses and shops were looted and, in some cases, destroyed.
He explained, “Unfortunately, recent events in major cities have revealed that what was intended as a protest has devolved into mass uprisings and looting. The individuals who originally promoted the protest are no longer leading it.
“Criminal elements have been unleashed on innocent Nigerians, vandalising and looting their businesses and properties.
“The rioters’ objectives were twofold: to loot and destroy both private and government properties. The level of destruction has been staggering. Police stations have been attacked, government buildings have been targeted, and numerous warehouses and shops have been plundered and destroyed.”
In response, Egbetokun ordered all police units to be on high alert to ensure public safety.
“In view of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilised and ready to act swiftly and decisively to maintain public order and safety,” he said.
He added that the red bands worn by police officers signify their high alert status.
“The red bands indicate that our command is on high alert. Those who claim they were not served court orders must understand the challenge of serving anonymous individuals.
They were served via social media, where their threats were made,” he said.
Egbetokun assured that the police have respected protesters’ constitutional rights despite court order violations.
“Even when protesters in the FCT defied a court order to confine their demonstration to the National Stadium and took to the streets, the police provided security and did not infringe on their fundamental rights,” he said.
He also reported incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel in areas like FCT, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, with one officer killed and others severely injured.
Sahara Reporters
