By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun on Thursday said he has placed his officers across the country on red alert following the killing of a policeman as
#EndBadGovernance protests turn violent in some states of the country.
Egbetokun who announced this at a press briefing in Abuja also revealed that some of his men were also injured by hoodlums who disguised as protesters.
He added that some police stations were also were razed by rampaging rioters in some parts of the country
The Police Chief said events in major cities on Thursday, the first day of the protest bill to run till 10 August, showed that what was happening were “mass uprising and looting, not protests”.
Egbetokun noted that leaders of the protest were not available to lead the protesters, thus, allowing hoodlums to take over
“Police stations have been destroyed. There have been attempts to take over government houses,” Egbetokun said.
He added that looting of public and private warehouses and facilities was widespread during the protest.
“In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on our security personnel where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.
“In light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to public safety and order.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting life and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation,” he said.
He called on groups, hiding under the guise of exercising a right provided in the constitution to destabilise the country, to remember that the same constitution imposed on them to obey the laws of the land.
According to him, the Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
Egbetokun appealed to law abiding citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the police and other security agencies.
”Your safety is our top priority and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
