Given the violence that has marked the ongoing #EndBadGovetnance protests, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF has called on all peaceful protesters to withdraw immediately to avoid further escalation.
The warning is contained in a statement issued by the Force on Day Three of the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
The Nigeria Police Force has also rebutted an Amnesty International report, which claimed that 13 persons had died during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests and alleged that security forces used lethal tactics and firearms against protesters.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force gave its own detailed account of the incidents during the protest that started on August 1, 2024.
According to the NPF, the actual number of fatalities from the first two days of protests stands at seven and not 13.
The Police emphasised that their primary goal has been to manage the protests professionally and with restraint.
In graphic details provided by the Force, in Borno State, four individuals were killed and 34 others injured in a terrorist attack carried out by suspected Boko Haram-ISWAP members who infiltrated the protest crowd and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device, IED not by our security forces. Also, two people died when an unregistered Honda Prelude ran into the protesters. The NPF said they are actively pursuing the driver of the vehicle, and the car has been recovered.
In Yauri, Kebbi State, a member of a local vigilance group, shot and killed a looter during an attempted robbery of a shop.
It added that since the protests have been accompanied by incidents of armed robbery, arson, looting, and property destruction arrested 681 individuals linked to these criminal activities have been arrested and dangerous weapons and stolen items valued at billions of naira have recovered.
The Police insist that, contrary to reports, no peaceful protester or protest organiser has been detained. The Force says arrests and recoveries made demonstrate commitment to addressing criminal activities and ensuring public safety.
The Police also said nine Police officers have been injured during the protests, with one initially reported dead is now in critical condition.
The statement commended officers for showing remarkable restraint despite being attacked and providing the protesters with the necessary support.
Recall that Amnesty International reported on Friday that 13 persons were killed on the first day of the protest, multiple persons injured across various states, including Suleja, Niger State, Maiduguri, and Kaduna.
The humanitarian group criticised the Nigerian authorities for what it described as a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters and alleged misuse of tear gas and firearms by security personnel.
Amnesty International called for an impartial investigation and emphasised the need for the government to address economic and social rights while ending violations of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression
The #EndBadGovernance protest is organised by mostly Nigerian youths and scheduled to be held across all the states including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja from August 1 to 10, 2024 to express their displeasure with the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
