The Nigeria Police Force has refuted a report by Amnesty International claiming 13 individuals have been killed by security agents during the ongoing protests in Nigeria.
In a statement released today August 3, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police provided an accurate account of incidents from the first two days of the nationwide protests and that only seven deaths were recorded.
According to Adejobi, four individuals lost their lives in Borno State due to a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, while two civilians were killed when an unregistered car ran into protesters.
He said another incident in Kebbi State resulted in the death of one looter. The police emphasized that no other fatalities were recorded apart from those mentioned and that incidents of armed robbery, arson, and destruction of property were reported during the protests.
He said a total of 681 individuals were arrested for various criminal offences, and dangerous weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, were recovered. The police also clarified that protesters were not arrested, but rather those connected to criminal activities.
Nine police officers were injured during attacks by protesters, with one initially reported dead but now in critical condition.
The police advised law-abiding citizens to withdraw from the protest, which had turned violent and reaffirmed their commitment to providing accurate information and ensuring safety and security during these challenging times.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli