The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, has called on residents and indigenes to refrain from participating in the scheduled nationwide protest set for August 1.
The protest, organized by various groups and citizens, is in response to the ongoing economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, CP Igweh emphasized the potential security risks associated with the planned demonstration.
He noted that the police have been working tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the FCT and expressed concerns that the protest could undermine these efforts.
The CP’s appeal comes amid rising tensions and widespread frustration over the country’s economic challenges.
The protest organizers have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the cost of living.
Igweh said, “I want to appeal specifically to the residents and indigenes and everybody in the FCT. Please, lions do not destroy their dens. You cannot see a lion who destroys its den. No, I would not like you to join this protest. I plead with you because we have worked hard to ensure your safety.
“We have fought those people outside Abuja. We have been to Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Niger to fight criminals so that you can be safe. I have lost men. Last week alone in Gidango, I lost two policemen. The other day, I lost two more. Let our loss pay for the protest. I want to plead with you.
“We don’t need you to be in the streets before somebody will say they are trying the police’s might. Or you will say, you will do this, you will do that. Please, please, don’t destroy where you are living.”
Igweh added that the government was doing its best by providing good roads.
“If you check, the government has provided good roads. Whether it’s from the minister of FCT or the president, check the streets in FCT, from Wuse to anywhere you can check, even in the hinterlands.
“They are trying their best. I don’t need to talk to anybody, but I’m saying it because we have been in the FCT. We know when there are changes. There are changes now in the FCT.
“And we don’t want miscreants outside the FCT to come and start destroying them. We will go back to square one where we were before. I plead, I beg of you, do not join this protest,” he added.
He urged the FCT residents to ensure the nation’s capital remains safe by shunning the protest.
“Let us continue collectively to make the FCT safe. Let them go and do what they want to do. But not with us.
“Act maturely. Act maturely. Act like people who appreciate. Even the losses we have suffered to ensure your safety. Use it to appreciate us. If you do this, we will be happy. We will continue to provide security for you. God bless all of you,” he said.
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