Hunger Protest: Policeman Declared Dead by IGP Egbetokun During Press Briefing Miraculously Survived – Force PRO

On Saturday, the Nigerian police reported that a policeman initially thought to have been murdered during the #EndBadGovernance protests had “miraculously survived” but remains in critical condition.

The officer was among nine who sustained various injuries during clashes with protesters, according to a statement by Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi. The statement also revealed that 618 suspects have been arrested for violent crimes across Abuja, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Sokoto.

This announcement comes after Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun stated on Thursday that a policeman was murdered on duty during the nationwide protests. He described the events in major cities as “mass uprising and looting, not protests,” noting unprovoked attacks on security personnel in places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe.

“In light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to public safety and order,” IGP Egbetokun said.

Activist Deji Adeyanju challenged the IGP’s claim, demanding the name of the deceased officer and asserting that no cop had been killed.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which entered their third day on Saturday, are driven by demands to restore petrol subsidies, reform the forex regime, address food shortages and unemployment, reduce government spending, and reform the electoral umpire INEC and anti-graft agency EFCC.

The protests have turned violent in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and other states, with hoodlums burning vehicles and looting warehouses. Police have been seen dispersing protesters with tear gas, actions condemned by civil society organizations.