Amid attacks on hunger protesters in Abuja and other locations across Nigeria, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has justified the law enforcement officers’ actions, saying the policemen are acting professionally to prevent deaths and destruction of properties in the country.
Adejobi said that the move by the policemen was to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja and other states.
He explained that policemen shot teargas cannisters at the protesters in Abuja and other states after the demonstrators became violent and turndown all recommendations made by the law enforcement officers that they return to approved protest locations.
The police spokesperson stated this on Thursday while responding to questions from journalists over attacks efforts made
Adejobi warned Nigerians not to regard the #endbadgovernance demonstrators as protesters, but rather as “violent, triggered individuals.”
“We should be mindful of the words we use, because there is a difference between protesters and violent, triggered people.”
Adejobi also indicated that most protesters were being manipulated and funded by external interests to further an agenda aimed at discrediting the government.
“Most of them do not know why they are out, they just mobilized them to come out for certain beliefs to justify the money they collected from some agency to run down the government,” he said.
Adejobi noted that some protesters gathered at Eagle Square, while others blocked major roads leading to the airport. He stated that those gathered in these areas have ulterior motives to bring down the government.
He also highlighted that Abuja protesters should go to the MKO Abiola Stadium, an approved and designated venue for demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory. Adejobi expressed disbelief, adding that citizens who genuinely protest would not cause violence.
“I do not think those who came out genuinely to protest will do that kind of thing.”
“These are the people who said they gathered intelligence that the protest would likely be hijacked, and this is what is coming to play now,”
“Those who mobilized them to come out to run down the system under the government should call them to order. We will not allow anarchy in this country” he noted.
Adejobi further assured that the police force will not cause harm to citizens while addressing the violence.
“We will approach every situation with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all Nigerians”
“While we aim to avoid violence, injury, or harm, we will take appropriate measures to address riotous protests, following established protocols and standard operating procedures to maintain order and protect lives,” he added.
The proposed #endbadgovernance protest, meant to be peaceful, has turned violent, with some protesters looting and vandalizing vehicles, underscoring the need for the police to maintain order and protect lives and property.
