The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Saturday, August 3, advised those taking part in the 10-day ‘End Bad Governance’ protest to “immediately withdraw from it”.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police said the ongoing protest (billed to end on Saturday, August 10) “has obviously turned violent”.
The security agency praised its men and sister parastatals for meting out a “decisive clampdown on criminal elements exploiting the protests for unlawful activities”.
The police’s statement partly reads:
“The ongoing protest has obviously turned violent.
“We therefore advise law-abiding citizens taking part in the protest across the country to immediately withdraw from it. This advice becomes necessary in view of the violence that has characterised the protest in the last 2 days....[CONTINUE READING HERE ▶▶]
“It is reasonably expected that peaceful protesters would have withdrawn from the protest that has turned violent.”
The police added:
“During this challenging period, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to performing its lawful duties with professionalism, maintaining law and order, and preventing anarchy throughout the country.
“The Nigeria Police urges all citizens and residents to disregard unfounded and psychologically manipulative reports circulating about incidents during these protests.”