The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, cautioned against the proposed nationwide protest, emphasising the need for citizens to reconsider their plans.
Addressing concerns about the potential protest scheduled for August 1, Egbetokun on Tuesday highlighted the risks associated with violent demonstrations, citing the negative impact of past protests on the country.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Egbetokun stressed the importance of preventing such gatherings from escalating into chaos. He expressed concerns about the destructive outcomes of previous protests, particularly referencing the #EndSARS movement, which resulted in significant economic losses and heightened insecurity across various regions.
Egbetokun urged citizens to prioritize peace and security, emphasizing the police force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties.
He warned against any attempts to incite violence or disrupt public order, reassuring that measures are in place to apprehend individuals seeking to exploit protests for criminal activities.
“Hence, 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 unleash violence on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again.”
Egbetokun stated that measures are in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters will 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. Consequently, I want to seize this opportunity to sound the note of serious warning to hoodlums who may want to take laws into their own hands in the name of protests. Do not worry.”
