In a surprising turn of events, the Nigerian Police have reversed their earlier claim that one of their officers was killed during the nationwide hunger protests. On Thursday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun had announced that an officer was murdered while on duty, a claim that significantly heightened the tension surrounding the protests.
However, on Saturday, Force Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi updated the situation, revealing that the officer initially reported dead had, in fact, survived but remains in critical condition. “Nine (9) police officers sustained various degrees of injuries during attacks by protesters. One of them who initially was reported dead, miraculously survived but remains in critical condition,” Adejobi stated.
The police have made substantial arrests in connection with the protests. Adejobi reported that a total of 618 suspects have been apprehended for various violent crimes across different states, including Abuja, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kaduna. The Nigerian Police Force has responded to the ongoing unrest by placing all units on red alert, ensuring that officers are fully mobilized and prepared to maintain public safety and order.
During a briefing on Thursday, IGP Egbetokun expressed deep concern over the violent nature of the protests, particularly in major cities like the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe. He described the incidents as a "mass uprising and looting," rather than peaceful protests. Egbetokun lamented the unprovoked attacks on security personnel, highlighting that one policeman had been reported murdered and several others seriously injured.
“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 public safety and order,” Egbetokun emphasized.
The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have been marked by widespread public discontent over the rising cost of living and hunger under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Citizens have taken to the streets in various cities, demanding an end to poor governance and calling for urgent economic reforms.
The protests have prompted strong reactions from both the government and opposition parties. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Tinubu for his silence and has demanded immediate action to address the protesters' grievances. The PDP has also condemned the use of force against unarmed demonstrators and accused the ruling party of mobilizing thugs to disrupt peaceful protests.
In response to the mounting pressure, President Tinubu is scheduled to address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced that the broadcast will air at 7:00 am on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), with repeats at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.
In a related incident, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State faced direct confrontation from protesters in Port Harcourt. His convoy was blocked by demonstrators who demanded that he step down and address their concerns. This encounter underscores the widespread nature of the protests and the intense frustration felt by citizens across the country.
As the situation unfolds, the nation's attention is firmly fixed on the upcoming address by President Tinubu. The public eagerly awaits concrete measures that will address the economic hardships and restore stability. The police's reversal of their earlier claim about the officer's death adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the volatile and dynamic nature of the current unrest.
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