Police Declare Curfew Ahead of Hunger Protest? Fact Emerges
- The police have denied reports that IGP Kayode Egbetokun stated that every protest must end by 4pm
- ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson of the force, also denied the claim that the IGP declared a curfew ahead of the planned hunger protests
- Adejobi warned against violent protests, reminding Nigerians of the aftermath of the 2020 #EndSARS movement, during which police stations and other public facilities were attacked and looted
The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, fixed 4pm as closing time for protesters when the planned August 1 nationwide protest begins.
The police also denied announcing any curfew on the proposed protest dates, describing the information as mischievous and false.
Source: Twitter
According to Leadership, the police spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday night, July 29.
IGP did not declare curfew
Adejobi stated that the IGP did not declare any curfew and that such information would have been communicated via official Nigeria Police Force platforms if true.
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The police urged all media outlets and the general public to disregard the misinformation. While emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and order during protests, he highlighted the severe negative effects of violent demonstrations.
He noted that Nigeria's current economic challenges were not peculiar and that the government was actively working to mitigate their impact.
Police mention aftermath of #EndSARS protest
Buttressing the position of the NPF, the IGP reflected on the 2020 #EndSARS protest that rocked the country and led to burning of police stations and looting of arms.
He noted that the destruction of police infrastructure led to a breakdown in law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal activities.
The IGP urged citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed previous violent protests in Nigeria. He emphasized that there are enough lessons to learn from previous violent protests and encouraged peaceful protests.
The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order while allowing citizens to exercise their right to peaceful protests.
IGP orders officers to protect protesters
Legit.ng earlier reported that the IGP had ordered senior police officers, DIGs, AIGs, and CPs to protect Nigerians mobilizing for the planned nationwide hunger protest.
This was in response to a senior lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, who requested that the police protect protesters.
It was learnt that the IGP had scheduled a meeting with Adegboruwa on Tuesday, July 29, 48 hours before the commencement of the protest.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
