Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a warning to groups planning a nationwide protest against economic hardship, scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024. He advised reconsidering and abandoning the plan, calling it ill-advised.
Amid growing social media campaigns promoting the protest, Egbetokun emphasized the country's past experiences with violent protests and their severe consequences. He highlighted that the previous #EndSARS protests led to significant destruction of public assets and increased crime rates.
At a meeting with senior police officials in Abuja, Egbetokun reminded Nigerians of the devastating impact of the #EndSARS protests, which resulted in the destruction of police stations, courts, transport infrastructure, and loss of lives. He pointed out that the nation is still recovering from the economic and emotional damages caused by those protests.
Egbetokun stressed that while the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally recognized, the potential for these protests to escalate into violence and disorder is a significant concern. He urged citizens to reconsider participating in the proposed protest, emphasizing the police's responsibility to protect lives and properties.
"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 Nigerians," Egbetokun stated. Measures are in place to apprehend any individuals attempting to disguise themselves as protesters to cause harm.
The IGP's warning comes as a preventive measure to avoid a repeat of the violent outcomes witnessed in previous protests and to ensure the safety and stability of the nation.
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