The Nigeria Police Force has firmly rebutted a recent report by Amnesty International, which claimed that 13 individuals had been killed by security agents during the ongoing nationwide protests. In a statement issued on August 3, 2024, the police disputed these figures, providing their own account of the fatalities and incidents that have occurred during the protests.
According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, the actual number of deaths linked to police action over the first two days of the protests stands at seven. This includes four individuals who were killed in Borno State due to an attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants. Additionally, two civilians died when an unregistered vehicle collided with protesters, and one looter was reported dead in Kebbi State during the disturbances.
The police clarified that no additional fatalities were recorded beyond these incidents. They acknowledged that the protests have led to various acts of violence, including armed robbery, arson, and property damage. In response to the unrest, a total of 681 people were arrested for criminal offenses, and authorities seized dangerous weapons, including two AK-47 rifles. It was emphasized that arrests were made based on criminal activities rather than peaceful protesting.
During the protests, nine police officers sustained injuries, with one officer initially reported dead now listed in critical condition. The police urged law-abiding citizens to distance themselves from the increasingly violent protests and reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety and providing accurate information.
This statement from the Nigeria Police Force comes amid growing scrutiny and differing accounts of the impact of the ongoing protests, highlighting the need for accurate reporting and transparency in such critical times.
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