Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has urged Nigerians to reconsider the proposed nationwide strike against economic hardship, calling it ill-advised and urging citizens to abandon the plan.
Egbetokun’s comments come amid social media campaigns mobilizing for a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10 in response to economic difficulties in the country. The IGP warned that the police will not stand by as hoodlums potentially destroy property and government facilities.
Speaking at a meeting with commissioners of police and other senior officials in Abuja, Egbetokun highlighted the history of violent protests in Nigeria and their detrimental effects. He pointed out that previous protests, including the EndSARS movement, resulted in significant destruction of public assets and increased crime rates, leaving the country with lasting economic and emotional scars.
“Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks. Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders, and influencers have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests,” Egbetokun said.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Egbetokun stressed the importance of avoiding violence and disorder. He emphasized that the police have a duty to protect citizens and their property and will take measures to prevent any individuals or groups from turning peaceful protests into violent unrest.
“Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be abandoned. We are committed to safeguarding properties and ensuring that everyone can carry out their daily activities safely. We will not sit idly by while violent activities threaten our communities or damage our national infrastructure,” Egbetokun stated.
He assured that plans are in place to apprehend anyone attempting to disguise themselves as protesters to incite violence. “We have mapped out strategies to ensure that no individual or group can impose terror and anarchy on law-abiding Nigerians. I want to sound a serious warning to any potential hoodlums—do not attempt to take the law into your own hands,” he added.
