IG warns against nationwide protest, cites risk of violence

Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has issued a stern warning yesterday to groups organizing and mobilizing for a nationwide protest against economic hardship scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024.

He urged them to reconsider and abandon their plans, describing them as ill-advised.

The IGP’s statement comes amidst increasing social media campaigns promoting the proposed protest, which has been gaining momentum. He emphasized that Nigeria has already experienced violent protests in the past, resulting in serious consequences.

Egbetokun’s remarks highlight the police force’s concerns regarding public safety and the potential for unrest associated with large-scale demonstrations.

Speaking at a meeting with DIGs, AIGs and command police commissioners of the 36 states and FCT in Abuja, Egbetokun reminded Nigerians that the last #EndSARS protest aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts.

He said: “Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks.

“Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

“While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder.

“As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences.

“The last #EndSARS protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, as well as the loss of several lives. Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise.

“Rather than lead to any positive outcome, #EndSARS merely aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country. Indeed, we are yet to fully recover from the huge economic losses and deep-seated psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon our people by these protests.”

Consequently, Egbetokun urged the citizens to jettison the proposed protest, insisting that the police had a responsibility to protect citizens and their properties.

“Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously. We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities.

“We will, therefore, not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleashed on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again,” he added.

The IGP said measures were in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters would be apprehended.

He said: “We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and dissolving Nigerians.”