The Nigeria Police Force has denied the killing of pro-Biafran agitators during protest marches in several cities in the South-East, as well as the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt. The Inspector General of Police, SOLOMON ARASE said the police remain committed to the protection of citizens’ rights, and not against peaceful assemblies. Reacting to social media claims of alleged shooting, maiming and killing of protesters, I.G.P. ARASE said those who carried the demonstration infringed on the rights and freedom of innocent citizens who were ordinarily going about their lawful businesses.
He said despite provocation, the Police have maintained and managed the situation with high sense of responsibility and professionalism.
He said the Nigeria Police Force is conscious of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly as enshrined in Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, and cannot afford to maim or kill citizens exercising these rights. I.G.P. ARASE said the Nigeria Police is duty-bound to enforce such rights, and charged police officers in State Commands to ensure that citizens embarking on rallies and other peaceful demonstrations are provided with adequate security in line with the standard operational practice of the Force. The Inspector-General of Police therefore called on all law abiding citizens to disregard the allegations against the police, describing the allegations as false and calculated attempt to attract undue attention and sympathy.
He said even though the Nigeria Police Force appreciates the freedom and rights of citizens under the Constitution, the protesting groups are strongly advised to respect the rights and freedom of others while exercising theirs. The IGP called on the leadership of Ohanaeze to wade into the protests, which he described as superfluous, to save the law-abiding and innocent citizens in the affected states from the hardship being meted out to them by the groups.
He reminded those embarking on violent protests and assemblies that such actions are criminalised by law, and anybody arrested will be treated as such under the appropriate legislation.
