ABUJA, Nigeria — Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has strongly condemned the acts of violence, looting, and attempts to take over government buildings that occurred on Thursday during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
The demonstrations, which began today, Thursday, August 1, 2024, have been marked by significant unrest and confrontations between protesters and security forces.
In a live broadcast, Egbetokun addressed the nation, expressing dismay over the escalating situation and emphasizing the need for law and order.
He ordered all police units to be on high alert to ensure public safety and prevent further destruction of property.
“We acknowledge the right of citizens to protest, but this right is not absolute. Citizens also have duties and responsibilities towards their nation, including being law-abiding and loyal. Understanding your rights is important, but it is equally crucial to fulfill your duties and responsibilities,” Egbetokun stated.
High Alert and Red Bands
The Inspector-General highlighted that police units have been instructed to wear red bands, indicating that the command is on high alert.
This measure aims to signal the readiness of law enforcement to respond to any potential threats and maintain order during the protests.
“The red bands we are wearing signify that our command is on high alert. Those claiming they were not served court orders must understand that serving faceless individuals is challenging. Their threats were made on social media, and they were served through the same platform,” he added.
Tragic Incidents and Preventive Measures
Egbetokun also expressed sorrow over the loss of four lives in Borno due to an IED explosion, an unrelated incident that underscores the broader security challenges facing the nation.
He noted that the police had successfully prevented a similar incident in Lagos, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety amid the protests.
Government’s Stance and Response
The #EndBadGovernance protests have drawn widespread attention, with citizens voicing their frustrations over economic hardship and perceived government inefficiency under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The protests, which are set to last for 10 days, have seen participants gathering at key locations across major cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
President Bola Tinubu has urged citizens to refrain from participating in the protests, describing the organizers as unpatriotic and questioning their motives.
The government has also taken various measures to prevent the demonstrations from escalating, including increased security presence and warnings from the Nigerian Police Force.
Protesters’ Perspective
Despite the heavy police presence and government warnings, many protesters remain determined to continue their demonstrations.
“We are tired of the suffering,” said Chika Okafor, a protester in Abuja. “We need real change, not just promises. The government must listen to us.”
As the protests continue, the situation remains tense.
In the coming days, the government’s response and the actions of law enforcement will be closely watched.
The #EndBadGovernance protests have brought to the forefront the deep-seated frustrations of many Nigerians.
While the right to protest is acknowledged, the Inspector-General’s condemnation of violence and looting highlights the delicate balance between exercising democratic rights and maintaining public order.
The outcome of these demonstrations could have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape and its approach to addressing the pressing issues raised by its citizens.
