The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has blamed protesters for the destruction and killings that took place at the nationwide protest.
He claimed last night that the fatalities might have been prevented if the conveners had heeded the police’s recommendation to follow guidelines to fend off hijacking the process.
Speaking at Force headquarters, Egbetokun stated: “You will recall that following several indications by various groups of their intent to launch a nationwide protest on August 1, 2024, we issued several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating the intent of some groups to foment trouble and create anarchy in the country.
“While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to ensure the protest remained peaceful.
“Based on this intelligence, the Police advised that the protests be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.
“This would have enabled the police to provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest.
“This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.
“While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who are disloyal to the government.
