The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern yet cautious appeal to the organizers of the planned nationwide protests, urging them to ensure that their actions remain peaceful and within the bounds of the law. His comments come in the wake of disturbing reports from Borno State, where four lives were tragically lost amid ongoing unrest.
During a press briefing held in Abuja, Egbetokun expressed the police force’s commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of citizens, including their right to peacefully assemble and voice their concerns on issues of national significance.
However, he also voiced serious concerns about the potential dangers of these agitations, especially when certain individuals appear to exploit such movements to promote disloyalty and instability against the government.
Egbetokun highlighted that the police had taken significant steps to facilitate a peaceful demonstration, including deploying officers to strategic locations to maintain order and ensure the safety of all participants.
Despite these efforts, the situation took a grim turn when the protests were infiltrated by hoodlums. These criminal elements, under the guise of protesters, turned the demonstrations into opportunities for chaos, looting, and destruction of property.
The Inspector General disclosed that the police force has been placed on high alert across the country, ready to act swiftly to prevent further looting and property damage. He emphasized that the police are well-prepared to handle the evolving situation and are ready to collaborate with other security agencies, including the military, should the need arise.
In a concerning revelation, Egbetokun reported that several police stations had been set ablaze by rioters, underscoring the severity of the unrest. He lamented that what was initially intended to be a protest had devolved into what he described as a “mass uprising and looting,” rather than a legitimate expression of public dissent.
Egbetokun’s remarks reflect the gravity of the current situation in Nigeria, where the line between peaceful protest and violent disorder has increasingly blurred. He stressed the importance of maintaining public order while also respecting the rights of citizens, a delicate balance that the police force is striving to uphold.
As the nation grapples with these tensions, the Inspector General’s call for peace serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked civil unrest. The events in Borno and other major cities on Thursday are a stark indication of how quickly situations can escalate, leading to tragic outcomes. The police force, under Egbetokun’s leadership, remains committed to restoring calm and ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected, even in these challenging times.
The message from the Inspector General is clear: while the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution, it must be exercised responsibly and without resorting to violence. The authorities are prepared to take all necessary measures to safeguard lives and property, and they urge all citizens to contribute to the peace and stability of the nation.
