Nationwide Protest Organizer Demands Immediate Sack of IGP Egbetokun
The Take It Back Movement (TIB), a prominent organizer of the EndBadGovernance protests, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun from his position, following the alleged killing of protesters by police officers across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by TIB’s National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, the organization claimed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force had killed at least 40 protesters nationwide
The protests, which were driven by frustration over the high cost of living, have seen widespread participation, but have also reportedly been met with violent responses from security forces.
“We demand the immediate sack of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, over the death of close to 40 protesters who were served bullets because they demanded bread,” the TIB statement read.
The organization also alleged that approximately 1,000 individuals have been detained in connection with the protests, which began on August 1. Specific figures mentioned in the statement include 632 protesters remanded in Kano and over 109 in Sokoto prison.
“The police must cease the use of teargas and live ammunition against peaceful protesters,” the statement further demanded.
The protests, initially focused on the soaring cost of living, have reportedly been hijacked by criminal elements in certain areas, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The nationwide demonstration is scheduled to conclude today, August 10.
The alleged use of excessive force by police has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the handling of peaceful protests in the country.
As the protests draw to a close, TIB and other civil society groups are amplifying calls for accountability and justice for those affected by the violence.
