The Nigeria Police Force has said the wanton destruction by protesters on the first day of the hunger protest was mind blowing.
This is as the Police said hoodlums were let loose in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Borno, Niger, Yobe, Jigawa, Gombe and Bauchi.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists.
TVN reports that on Thursday protesters hit the streets in major parts of the country rioting against rising hardship in Nigeria.
However, IGP Kayode said after day-1 of the protest, “the destruction so far has been mind-boggling”.
He said that there were attempts to take over government houses, and looting of government infrastructures.
Egbetokun revealed that several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, destroyed.
“There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there have been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, destroyed”, he said.
The Police boss warned against causing anarchy in the country under the guise of exercising rights to protest.
He appealed to citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the police.
“We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period”, he said.
Protest: Police list Abuja, Kano, eight other states rioters unleashed havoc
Protest: Police list Abuja, Kano, eight other states rioters unleashed havoc
IGP places police units on red alert over destruction, looting in #EndBadGovernance protest
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has placed all police units on red alert following the cases of violence recorded in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest across the country.
Egbetokun made the announcement at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the events in some major cities in the country on Day-1 of the protest showed that the protest had turned to be mass uprising and looting.
The IGP lamented that the people who promoted the idea of the protest were not around to lead it.
READ ALSO:IGP orders #EndBadGovernance protesters to submit names, contact details to police
He said hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed.
Egbetokun noted that the motive of the rioters was to loot and destroy both private and government property.
He said the destruction so far had been mind-boggling, adding that there were destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger and Jigawa States.
He said police stations had been destroyed with attempts in some states to take over government houses and loot infrastructures.
The IGP expressed regret that several warehouses and shops had so far been looted and in several instances, completely destroyed.
He said: “In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert.
“Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting life and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.”
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Wike meets Tinubu, says FG ready for dialogue
As protests kicked off nationwide on Thursday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was spotted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday afternoon.
Our correspondent spotted the former Rivers State governor alighting from a black Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicle and was ushered into the President’s Office.
Though the topic of their discussion remained unknown as of the time of filing this report, it was believed to be connected to the hunger protests, which began on Thursday, with the FCT as an epicentre.
The FCT saw massive demonstrations from crowds who thronged the central business district and suburbs as security officials fired tear gas to disperse protesters.
Meanwhile, the FCT minister said the Federal Government was open to having a dialogue with the protesters.
Wike stated this while handing over the Staff of the Office to four newly coronated Chiefs of Karu, Kwali, Pai, and Yaba, in Abuja on Thursday.
He commended protesters who refused to be violent and urged them to continue to remain peaceful, noting that it was better to have a dialogue and iron out issues with the government.
“I want you to continue with that peace process, because he who makes peace will, at the end of the day, enjoy the dividends of peace.
“I want to commend you and urge you to still talk to our people, that we are still ready to talk to them, have a dialogue with them and iron out the grey areas.
“We’ll also brief them on certain things they do not know so that they will be well informed to make informed decisions,” the minister said.
Describing Abuja as the nation’s “centre of unity,” Wike said, “Abuja is for everybody; if we lose Abuja, we have lost Nigeria. That is why we have always said, let us work together. There is nothing we can’t achieve under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“Give him time, and a lot of things will change.”
Speaking to the coronated chiefs, the minister said traditional rulers had a lot of roles to play, adding that they were the closest to the grassroots and interface more with the people.
He said: “You are the one who knows what the people feel at home; you are the one who will tell us whether the government is making any impact or not.
“You will convey to your subjects what the government is doing and what the government is about to do; you are the one to sell government policies and programmes to your people.
“If you convey a wrong message, that is what the people will accept. If you convey the right message, that is what the people will accept. So, you play a very pivotal role,” he said.
Business owners worry protests will affect productivity
Entrepreneurs are concerned that the August 1 protest could affect productivity and inflict an estimated loss of N400bn on the economy.
Industry stakeholders appear apprehensive of the likely fallout of citizen demonstrations on lives and property, particularly their business holdings.
The National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, Segun Kuti-George, said the fear of arson from the EndSARS protest still haunts Nigerian business owners who almost lost their factories.
“Our factories were nearly torched and we would have been without businesses,” Kuti-George told The According, recounting the joint experiences of business owners in the EndSARS protest.
Also referred to as the Hunger Protest, the demonstrations are scheduled for August 1, 2024, and most of the rallying seems to be done on social media platforms, most notably X, formerly known as Twitter.
In addition to the Nigerian political class, which has appealed to the sensibilities of protesters calling for calm and security agencies, which have warned against violence, business stakeholders have stated their desire for peaceful demonstrations.
According to the NASSI Vice President, more Nigerians would restrict their movements on the day of the planned protests, leading to a drop in foot traffic, which means a slower business day.
“People will want to be cautious. They will be reluctant to come out on that day,” Kuti-George remarked, reckoning that some employers may ask their staff to work from home.
Also, a development economist, Rotimi Oyelere, pointed out that there is a loss of output and income when protests force workers to stop working.
Oyelere said protests of a nationwide magnitude could have a multiplier effect on daily wage earners.
“There will be a micro impact in immediate income loss for households, and businesses, then a macro impact that will affect general output and on a national aspect.
“It could get out of control and lead to indirect loss if there is a need to restore any destroyed property, he added.
The economist recommended more transparency between the people and the state, noting that a deterioration of trust helped ignite the brewing social unrest in the country.
An earlier analysis from the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise predicted that the proposed nationwide protests pose “grave dangers for an economy that is already in a very fragile state”.
In a statement, the CPPE claimed that if the protests are not properly managed, they could affect earnings and incur an estimated daily loss of N400bn.
The Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf, suggested that the protesters consider that over 90 per cent of employed Nigerians are in the informal sector.
“Employees in this space (informal sector) depend on daily income and any disruption to their economic activities beyond 24 hours could snowball into major social unrest. This underlines the country’s vulnerability to prolonged protests.
He recommended, among other things, that the duration of the protests possibly be a single day, as “experience has shown that the chances of protests degenerating into chaos and anarchy increase with the duration of the protests,” Yusuf declared.
Tinubu will address Nigeria’s challenges, Oyo APC leaders tell youths
A group of prominent leaders in Oyo State has appealed to the youth in the state to reconsider the planned protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, scheduled for August 1 to 10.
The leaders, all former federal lawmakers, met with youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress, student leaders, and other critical stakeholders on Wednesday, at the party’s permanent secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
Among the leaders were Kolawole Raji, Muraina Ajibola, Dapo Lam Adesina, Sunday Adepoju, and Segun Odebunmi,
The meeting, according to them, was to sensitise members of the APC on the potential ills of the planned protest and to discuss the state of the nation.
Raji, who briefed journalists after the meeting, stressed the dangers of the planned protest and highlighted the significant achievements of Tinubu’s government.
He listed the Local Government autonomy, enabling the LGs to manage funds independently and improve governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.
Raji also listed the introduction of a comprehensive interest-free student loan scheme by the administration, priority to infrastructural development with major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project, Badagry-Sokoto Expressway, and many other road projects across the country.
He said the extensive national rail network rehabilitation would enhance connectivity, boost economic activities, and create numerous job opportunities for the youth.
“To address the rising cost of living and improve the standard of living for Nigerian workers, the Tinubu administration has increased the national minimum wage to N70,000. This increment aims to enhance the purchasing power of workers and promote a fairer distribution of wealth.
“Initiatives such as the Youth Farm Initiative and the Agricultural Enhancement Programme have empowered young farmers with training, funding, and resources, contributing to the nation’s agricultural transformation and food security, among others,” he said.
Raji said Tinubu met significant challenges upon taking office but was committed to addressing them methodically.
“We are very sympathetic towards the people and we are very aware that things are tough at this time, but we implore our people to give the president more time to put Nigeria back in shape. These things we complain of didn’t happen at once, it was gradual. We are confident Nigeria would be great under President Bola Tinubu,” Raji said.
The leaders urge the youth to recognise the achievements and the genuine efforts of the current administration to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
They encourage any grievances or suggestions to be communicated through appropriate channels while assuring them that their voices will be heard and addressed.
EndBadGovernance: Nigeria police on red alert as Day-One protest turns bloody
Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Thursday night decried the dimensions of the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest in the country.
TVN reports that Nigerians across many states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, took to the streets as they commenced an earlier announced 10-day protest against hardship in the country.
However, the first day of the protest witnessed widespread violence and lootings across major cities, with many protesters reported dead.
The major flashpoints were in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa and Nasarawa States.
Some of the states have already imposed curfew in a bid to contain the situation.
Addressing a press conference, the IGP, who knocked the promoters of the protest for being nowhere around to lead it, urged them to end it.
He said the security agencies had been vindicated in their earlier intelligence that the protest would turn violent.
According to him, “It is with a grave sense of responsibility that I address you this evening. You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing our youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country.
“While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones, refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest.
“On the basis of this intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.
“This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest.
“This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.
“While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.
“Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged.
“Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same.
“Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest.
“Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed.
“The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. The destruction so far has been mind-boggling.
“There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there have been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.”
He decried that “ispite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.
“In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.
“We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED).
“Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of an explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.
“We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.
“In the 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 any further threats to public safety and order.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.
“Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.
“The Police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
“We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period.
“Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country.”
EndBadGovernance: Nigeria police on red alert as Day-One protest turns bloody
Abdallah, others jostle for Pillars coaching job
Former Enyimba and Super Eagles assistant coach Usman Abdallah is among the frontrunners to take up the vacant role of Kano Pillars head coach as the former Nigerian champions intensify preparation for the 2024/25 season scheduled to begin on August 31, According Sports Extra reports.
Abdallah, who has worked as an assistant coach with Kano Pillars before, was among those that were interviewed on Wednesday as Pillars hope to replace Paul Offor.
Kano Pillars hired former Sporting Lagos gaffer Offor some weeks ago, but both parties parted ways mutually on Tuesday after a change in the club’s leadership.
Chairman of the club, Ali Umar, said Offor’s contract was terminated based on mutual consent, noting that the coach was hired by the former management that was dissolved by the Kano State Government a few days later.
In a swift move to hire a new coach, the new management interviewed Abdallah, former coach Ibrahim Musa, and their former player and assistant coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, among others.
According to a statement from the club’s media team on Thursday, a new coach will soon be announced for Pillars.
“In addition to the physical interviews, the management board is meticulously scrutinising the CVs of other applicants who could not attend in person,” the statement read.
“These candidates, hailing from various countries, including France, submitted their credentials during the June application window. The board is committed to conducting a thorough review to ensure the selection of a highly qualified technical adviser who will bring expertise and vision to the club.
The management board will announce the new technical adviser soon, marking a significant step in preparing the team for a successful season ahead.”
Kano Pillars, who won three consecutive NPFL titles between 2012 and 2014, returned to the topflight last season, finishing 11th in the table.
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, they are currently in Enugu, where they will be taking part in the Coal City pre-season tournament.
Waldrum blames Falcons flop on poor preparation
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has blamed the team’s ouster from the women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics on poor preparation, The According reports.
Nigeria were knocked out of the tournament in the group stage on Wednesday after a 3-1 defeat to Japan, ending the phase without a win, having lost their first two matches to Brazil and Spain, 1-0 on both occasions.
Japan raced to a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes, with goals from Maika Hamano and Mina Tanaka before Jennifer Echegini handed the Super Falcons a lifeline with the first half winding down. But there was still enough time for Hikaru Kitagawa to restore Japan’s two-goal lead before halftime with an exquisite free kick.
Nigeria needed to win by at least two goals to have any hopes of reaching the quarterfinals, but they couldn’t do enough against the 2011 World Champions as their performances in the first two games proved to be better.
“We prepared for them (all three opponents) based on the fact that we haven’t had a lot of time,” Waldrum said via ESPN.
“We missed the last window before the Olympics, and so we missed 10 days of good training before the Olympics.”
The Falcon camped for 10 days in Seville, Spain, ahead of the Games, and The According reported how their preparations were hindered by visa issues, which prevented some of the invited players from arriving camp early enough.
Although they were drawn in a tough group, expectations were still high about the chances of Waldrum’s team, following their performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they were eliminated on penalties by England in the round of 16.
The results from the Paris Olympics mirrored those of the 2008 team that lost 1-0 to the Korea Democratic People’s Republic, 1-0 to Germany, and 3-1 to eventual silver medalists Brazil.
Nigeria’s best outing—so far—at the Women’s Olympic football tournament was in Athens 20 years ago, where the Falcons finished in 6th place after exiting the tournament in the quarterfinals.
Opeyori thanks fans for support after exit
Nigeria’s badminton star, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to fans who supported him during his Paris Olympics campaign, despite his early exit, According Sports Extra reports.
Opeyori acknowledged the unwavering support he received and emphasised his commitment to showcasing African talent in the sport.
The 27-year-old, ranked 10th in the men’s singles, faced significant competition in both matches he played but remained resolute and determined.
“Thank you, guys, again, for all the support. We showed what Africa has to offer the sport of badminton,” he said in a video posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“It might not be the result that we wanted, but it was a win for Africa. I will keep working hard, and I will keep striving to become the best player in Africa and in the world. On to the next one.”
Opeyori put up a valiant effort against China’s Li Shi Feng in his second Group N match in the Men’s Singles Badminton event, losing 2-0 (21-17, 21-17). Despite the defeat, he fought fiercely for every point against the world number six.
The match followed his earlier loss to Switzerland’s Tobias Kuenzi, his second defeat that marked his exit from the Olympics.
In his first match, Opeyori faced a challenging opponent in Kuenzi, who had previously lost to Li Shi Feng. Kuenzi secured a closely contested first set 22-20 and went on to win the second set 21-14 for a 2-0 win.
Reflecting on his journey, Opeyori underscored the importance of representing Nigeria and Africa on the global stage.
He pledged to continue his hard work and dedication to achieve greater success in future competitions, maintaining his goal to become one of the best players in Africa and the world.
Falcons unlucky, says Mbachu
Former Super Falcons star Stella Mbachu says Nigeria’s senior women’s football team were unlucky to have exited the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics at the group stage, According Sports Extra reports.
Randy Waldrum’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Japan in the final Group C game on Wednesday to crash out of the competition after losing all three games.
Paired alongside Spain, Brazil, and Japan, the Falcons were in for a difficult challenge at the Olympics. Their campaign got off on a bad note, losing their opening game to Brazil 1-0. In their second game against reigning world champions Spain, the Falcons put up a better performance than their opener against the South Americans.
After losing 1-0 to Brazil in their first game, the 11-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners seemed poised to pick up a hard-earned point in their second game against Spain on Sunday, but a late goal from Barcelona star Alexia Putellas ensured the Spaniards snatched all three points.
In their last game against Japan on Wednesday, the Falcons conceded two goals before the half-hour mark before Jeniffer Echegini scored a goal that may be competing for the goal of the tournament to get Nigeria back in the game at 2-1.
However, Tosin Demehin was unlucky to have a decision ruled against her by Venezuelan referee Emikar Calderas, who awarded a free kick to the Asian giants in the last minute of added time.
Left-back Hikaru Kitagawa beat Chiamaka Nnadozie from the resulting set piece to take the game beyond the reach of the Falcons.
In a chat with According Sports Extra, Mbachu, who had 88 caps and scored 20 goals representing Nigeria, said her compatriots were unlucky during their Olympics campaign.
“Despite the defeats, I think they did very well; they were just unlucky,” she said.
“I don’t think they did anything wrong because I believed they did their best.”