The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Thursday that a police officer was killed during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. The incident occurred while the officer was on duty, and several others were injured by individuals disguised as protesters.
In a press briefing in Abuja, the IGP detailed the violence that erupted across major cities, describing the events as a “mass uprising and looting, not protests.” He noted that multiple police stations were torched by rioters.
Egbetokun expressed concern that the leaders of the protests were absent, leaving hoodlums to hijack the demonstrations. “Police stations have been destroyed, and there have been attempts to take over government houses,” he said. “Looting of public and private warehouses and facilities has been widespread.”
The IGP reported that in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, police personnel faced unprovoked attacks, resulting in the death of one officer and serious injuries to others.
“In light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to ensure public safety and order,” Egbetokun stated.
The #EndBadGovernance protests turned violent in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa, and 28 other states, as well as in the nation’s capital. Rampaging hoodlums burned vehicles and looted warehouses and private stores. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters, an action condemned by several civil society organizations. Curfews have been imposed in the affected states.
The protests, driven by economic hardship, began on August 1, 2024, and are scheduled to continue until August 10 across all states and Abuja. The economic crisis has been exacerbated by the government’s removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of forex windows, leading to soaring prices of food and basic commodities.
