Maduako Igbokwe l Tuesday, December 08, 2020
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – The Inspector General of Police, IGP Muhammed Adamu has vowed that the Nigerian Police Force would never again allow a repeat of the recent violent EndSARS protest that claimed lives of officers and men of the force.
Adamu who gave the warning on Tuesday while inspecting police formations destroyed in Anambra state during the end SARS protest said that the police would resist any attempt to attack government property as well as police formations in the country.
He said officers and men of the force would not fold their hands and watch miscreants killing, destroying government and private property. According to Adamu the Police have been given order to apply maximum force in quelling subsequent protests in future.
He reiterated the force commitment to protect the right of citizens to peaceful protest, assuring that the Police would not fold its arms and allow miscreants maim and kill their operatives.
Adamu however explained that the end SARS protest was as a result of an incident at Ughelli in Delta State where a joint task force on security was after suspects and one jumped out of a moving vehicle and was crushed by a moving vehicle.
He further narrated that someone videoed the incident and posted endSARS now which led to the nation wide protest across the country stating that the officers and men have been ordered to ensure that law and order are maintained in there various formations. He expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for commending the force.
“Nigerians came out attacking and vilifying the police to demoralize us and prevent us from courageously occupying the public space. But Mr. President said no. Vast majority of Nigerian Police are patriotic and committed to protecting lives and property of Nigerians.
“Nigerian Governors forum also during their discussion on the protest, came up with a common position that not all Nigerian Police officers are bad. Many have even pledged to compensate families of those who lost their lives during the protest”
He also announced that the Federal Government has approved the upward review of salary for men of the force, just as he commended over eight Divisional Police Officer for their courage in defending their stations during the protest.
Earlier, Commissioner of Police in the State, John Abang said 19 personnel were victims of the protest out of which four lost their lives and fifteen were injured.
“Twelve police formations were burnt and seven were vandalized. Two Armoured Personnel Carriers were damaged and twenty-seven operational vehicles vandalized,”he said. Abang however assured the IGP that the Command was gradually recovering from the incident through the support of the State Government and public spirited individuals.
