The organisers of the ongoing nationwide protest have been urged by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure their conduct remains peaceful after confirming the reported deaths of four individuals in Borno state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Egbetokun acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens to gather and voice their opinions on matters of national significance; he expressed concern about the risks associated with agitation stirred up by particular individuals who have shown disloyalty to the current government.
He clarified that although they demonstrated good faith by maintaining security at key points to ensure a peaceful protest, the protest was hijacked by hoodlums who engaged in looting despite their efforts.
Egbetokun added that the police are on high alert nationwide to prevent looting and property and are prepared to respond to the unfolding situation, noting that it will receive support from other security agencies, including the military, if necessary.
He stressed that some police stations across the country were destroyed by rioters, buttressing his concerns that the events across major cities on Thursday constituted “mass uprising and looting, not protests”.