The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has refuted claims that its officers attacked protesters during the October 1 demonstration in Abuja. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the police described the reports circulating on social media as “completely false and misleading,” calling them a “misrepresentation of the situation.”
Proactive Measures to Prevent Looting
According to the police, their actions during the protest were a response to intelligence reports indicating that some miscreants were attempting to exploit the demonstration for looting. The statement explained that the officers’ focus was on preventing criminal elements from attacking shops and markets.
“The operatives only took measures to forestall some miscreants who were taking advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market and, as a result, extended focus to them,” the police statement read.
Contradictory Reports of Tear Gas Use
Despite the police’s claims, several videos circulating on social media show officers allegedly firing tear gas canisters at a group of about 50 peaceful protesters near Utako Market. The protesters were participating in the “National Day of Survival” demonstration against government policies that have led to economic hardships, including the high cost of living and energy prices.
Protest Against Economic Hardship
The October 1 protest was a nationwide demonstration criticizing the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. Many Nigerians attribute these policies, introduced by President Tinubu in an effort to revive the economy, to the sharp rise in inflation and the soaring cost of living. The protest, held on Nigeria’s Independence Day, was organized to draw attention to the growing financial burdens on citizens.
Police Justify Their Actions
SP Adeh emphasized that the police’s primary responsibility is to protect lives and property, adding that officers could not stand by while criminals took advantage of the protest to rob traders.
“As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening,” Adeh stated.
Call for Calm and Reassurance of Civil Rights
The FCT Police Command urged the public to disregard what it called misleading reports and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens while respecting their rights to protest.
“The command is committed to ensuring the safety of the populace in the exercise of their civil rights,” the statement concluded, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and security during protests.
