The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has asked organisers of the planned nationwide protest, to conduct themselves peacefully as he confirmed the death of four persons in Borno state.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, Egbetokun said while the police force affirms the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, he remained wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals, who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.
He explained that despite showing good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest, hoodlums infiltrated and hijacked the protest as they embarked on a looting spree.
Egbetokun added that the police have been placed on red alert nationwide to curtail looting and destruction of properties, as the police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation, and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
According to him, some police stations in the country were razed by rampaging rioters.
He lamented that events in major cities on Thursday were “mass uprising and looting, not protests”.
