The August 1 hunger protests escalated into violent clashes, resulting in the death of a police officer and significant damage to law enforcement facilities. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun addressed the situation in a press briefing late Thursday night, revealing the extent of the chaos that unfolded across the country.
According to IGP Egbetokun, the protests, described as a “mass uprising,” led to severe disruptions and confrontations. He reported that several police stations were destroyed, and there were unsuccessful attempts to seize government buildings.
In various cities, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, the police faced unprovoked attacks from demonstrators. These incidents resulted in one policeman being killed and several others suffering serious injuries.
In response to the escalating violence, the Nigeria Police Force has declared a state of red alert. Egbetokun assured that police units are fully mobilized and prepared to act quickly to ensure public safety and order. He emphasized the importance of protests adhering to constitutional guidelines and stressed that while citizens have the right to protest, it must be done responsibly.
The IGP also indicated that the possibility of deploying the army to restore order is being considered, should the situation continue to worsen. However, he refrained from commenting on reports of civilian casualties in some states and the capital.
