The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has denounced the violence that marred the #EndBadGovernance protests on Thursday, resulting in the murder of a policeman and injuries to several others.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Egbetokun described the events as a “mass uprising and looting, not protests.” He alleged that hoodlums disguised as protesters attacked police stations, injuring officers and destroying property.
“Police stations have been destroyed. There have been attempts to take over government houses,” Egbetokun said, adding that looting of public and private warehouses and facilities was widespread.
“In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on our security personnel where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.
“In 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 public safety and order,” the IGP said.
The police chief claimed that protest leaders were absent, allowing hoodlums to hijack the demonstrations. He reported widespread looting of public and private facilities, including police stations, government houses, and warehouses.
Egbetokun confirmed that one policeman was murdered and several others seriously injured in unprovoked attacks in cities like Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe. In response, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert, mobilizing officers to respond swiftly to maintain public safety and order.
