- By Halimah Olamide
“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,”
The Nigeria Police on Saturday said the ongoing nationwide protests have turned violent, hence warning law-abiding participants to withdraw.
The warning was given by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Spokesman, who said that every reasonable participant is expected to have left the streets having seen the bloody nature the protests are assuming.
He made this known Saturday afternoon in a statement released via his X handle
“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,” he said in what appeared like a warning ahead a possible crackdown on protesters;
NPO Reported earlier that policemen had allegedly fired live bullets at protesters in Abuja on Saturay.
A journalist whose car was hit by a bullet said it appeared the police were now ready to kill protesters and journalists.
The Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa had on Friday asked journalists to stop giving coverage to the protests.
The Force PRO said his advice to protesters to quit the streets “becomes necessary in view of the violence that has characterized the protest in the last 2 days.”
He said further, “It is reasonably expected that Peaceful protesters would have withdrawn from the protest that has turned violent. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to providing accurate information and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during these challenging times.
“It is essential to recognize that the strategic deployment by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, and the decisive clampdown on criminal elements exploiting the protests for unlawful activities, has been highly effective in quelling tension and curbing the violence and anarchy witnessed on the first day of the protests.
“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.”