The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igweh, has issued a stern warning to protesters, emphasizing that any attempt to instigate violence during protests will be met with a forceful response from the authorities.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!He made it clear that no group has a monopoly on violence and that law enforcement would act decisively to prevent any damage to public and private property.
In recounting previous incidents, CP Igweh highlighted instances where protesters damaged vehicles and looted shops.
He stressed that the authorities cannot remain passive in the face of such actions, reinforcing the need for law enforcement to step in when protests turn violent.
According to him, peaceful protests are acceptable and pose no issue to the authorities, but the involvement of miscreants who commit crimes under the guise of protest is unacceptable.
CP Igweh stressed that while people have the right to protest, it is crucial that these protests remain non-violent.
He condemned the actions of those who exploit protests to commit crimes, such as damaging property or looting.
The police are prepared to respond forcefully to any violent actions to protect public safety and property.
He pointed out that the authorities have shown restraint in dealing with protests so far, noting that no lives have been lost during these events. However, he warned that this restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
The police are ready to act decisively against any form of violence during protests to maintain order and protect the community.
The Commissioner called on those planning to protest to ensure that their actions do not become violent.
He reiterated that while the right to protest is respected, any deviation into violence would be met with a strong response from the police.
CP Igweh’s message was clear: peaceful protests will be tolerated, but violence will not be.
CP Igweh condemned the employment of miscreants for the purpose of damaging property and committing crimes during protests.
He assured the public that the police are committed to maintaining peace and order, and will not hesitate to intervene when protests turn violent.
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FROM 06:30
Hear him: ”If it is compulsory that you must protest, then don’t make it violent. You can protest as normal citizens but a lot of miscreants have been protesting and we have not killed anybody.
People that are disgruntled have the right to protest but ensure that it doesn’t get violent. Because when you make any attempt to make it violent, we will be ready.
We will come out violently if you protest violently because nobody has monopoly of violence. If they go into the street and start damaging vehicles, we will resist them.
The last time they entered people’s shops and started looting people’s things and somebody will like us to keep quiet. We cannot keep quiet. If the protest is peaceful, we don’t have any problem with it.
What we are against is protest that is violent in nature. When you go and employ miscreant for then to damage people thing, then that is a crime.”
