Police React to Allegations of Attacking Abuja Protesters

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has refuted claims of attacking protesters during the “Fearless in October” demonstration in Abuja on October 1. The protest, held to voice concerns over bad governance, was reportedly met with teargas by police officers, according to earlier reports.

In a statement released by SP Josephine Adeh, the Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command, the allegations were dismissed as “false and misleading.” Adeh clarified that officers were deployed to prevent looting at the Utako Market, not to target peaceful demonstrators.

“Acting on intelligence, the operatives only took measures to forestall some miscreants who were taking advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market,” Adeh explained, emphasizing that the police acted responsibly to protect traders from being robbed.

The FCT Command urged the public to disregard misleading reports, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the public and ensuring that citizens can exercise their civil rights in a secure environment.