No Lethal Weapons Used Against Abuja Protesters – Police

The FCT Police claim professional conduct and deny using lethal force on peaceful protesters, but reports from journalists and Amnesty International suggest otherwise.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has asserted that its personnel acted professionally in managing peaceful hunger protesters in Abuja on Saturday.

This statement comes from the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in response to allegations of violent attacks on #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protesters at Moshood Abiola National Stadium by the command’s personnel.

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Adeh emphasized that the command’s personnel did not use lethal force against the protesters. “Contrary to speculations, operatives of the FCT police command have conducted themselves civilly and professionally. I can honestly state that our officers did not kill any protesters. In fact, no lethal weapons were issued; only anti-riot equipment was provided,” she wrote.

However, this statement contrasts with reports from journalists and human rights organizations. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapel, Jide Oyekunle, was reportedly arrested on the order of FCT Police Commissioner, Benjamin Igwe. Additionally, African Independent Television (AIT) and Premium Times reported that their journalists covering the protests were affected by tear gas fired by police personnel.

Amnesty International (AI) also reported that FCT police personnel used violent force against the peaceful protesters, contradicting the police command’s claims.

In a statement on Saturday, Amnesty added that 50 protesters were arrested by the command.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the ongoing violent crackdown on peaceful protesters who convened at Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja. The over 50 peaceful protesters arbitrarily arrested across the FCT must be released immediately and unconditionally.

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“The shocking and unconscionable use of deadly force on protesters against hunger in the FCT is unacceptable. Those suspected of responsibility must be held to account. People have the right to peacefully demand accountability through protests. This right must be respected,” Amnesty International said.

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