The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, August 6, said that no protester was subjected to excessive force by the police, military, or other security agencies during the management of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Egbetokun made this statement at a meeting of security agency heads in Abuja, adding that neither the military nor the police used live ammunition during the protests.
“The police, military, and indeed no other security agency involved in the management of this protest deployed excessive force,” Egbetokun said. “Instead, we encountered attacks on security agents during the protest. Our records show no shooting incidents by the police.
“The police or military did not use live ammunition in managing these protests. Instead, we have officers who were injured and are currently in critical condition.
“I dismiss claims of excessive force as fake news and baseless allegations. We didn’t even deploy our full strength during the protest, even when it turned violent. We have water cannons and rubber bullets we did not use. All we used was tear gas.”
Additionally, Egbetokun revealed that the protests had not overwhelmed the police force, and several offenders were apprehended throughout the demonstrations.
“We were not overstretched; we had standby units that we didn’t deploy in managing this protest,” Egbetokun said. “Even while the protests were ongoing, several offenders were arrested. Hoodlums committing armed robbery were apprehended. The only crime we didn’t encounter was kidnapping. Any other criminal activities were duly addressed.”
Egbetokun also debunked reports that protesters hijacked an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in Kaduna state. He clarified that the APC was not deployed for the protest but to the Government House in Kaduna. Protesters climbed the APC as it was driving out, prompting the driver to make a U-turn back to the Government House gate.
“It wasn’t a case of hijacking the APC,” Egbetokun stated.
Regarding the police presence at the Abuja stadium, Egbetokun explained that security personnel were stationed there to ensure the safety of nonviolent protesters.
“We didn’t take over the stadium; we provided security there,” he said. “We assured those who informed us about their intentions to stage peaceful protests that if they went to a designated location, we would provide security.
“We have consistently stated that we recognize the rights of citizens to protest peacefully. As long as the protests remain peaceful, the police will be there with them. We didn’t take over the stadium.”
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