The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has revealed that based on the outcome of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest that commenced on Thursday, protesters had two motives which were to loot and destroy both government and private properties.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶ ... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶
He disclosed this while briefing the press after the Day one, protest in Abuja and across the nation.
The IGP while briefing Nigerians noted that those who claimed to have embarked on the protest had ulterior motives and had a violent undertone.
He said, “Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest.
“Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed.
“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 have been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.”
THE WHISTLER reported how the protest against hunger snowballed into a chaotic situation particularly in the capital city where police officers fired multiple tear gas canisters at protesters.
Likewise in other states, THE WHISTLER revealed how protesters raided government institutions, destroying and carting away properties.
Speaking to the press, the IGP Blamed the unfortunate incident on the disobedience of protesters to confine their demonstration to specific locations, which was to isolate criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the guise of protesting.
“On the basis of this intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organisers 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.
The IGP noted that in places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, the country recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where a policeman was reportedly murdered and others seriously injured.
“We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. 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 (IED).
“Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of an explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on the danger list,” he said.
He noted further, “In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.
“Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercising a right provided in the Constitution to destabilise the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.
“The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
“We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period. Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country.”
