Our Personnel Conducted Themselves Professionally – FCT Police

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has said its personnel conducted themselves professionally in managing peaceful hunger protesters in Abuja, on Saturday.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said this on Sunday, in reaction to violent attacks on peaceful #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protesters at Moshood Abiola National Stadium by the command’s personnel.

Adeh added that the command’s personnel did not kill peaceful protesters. According to Adeh, the command did not issue lethal weapons to its personnel.

“Contrary to speculations, operatives of the FCT police command have conducted themselves civilly and professionally. I can honestly state that our officers did not kill any protesters. In fact, no lethal weapons were issued; only anti-riot equipment was provided,” she wrote.

The FCT PRO’s statement runs contrary to evidence of reports from journalists. Naija News reported that the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Chapel, Jide Oyekunle, was arrested on the order of FCT Police Commissioner, Benjamin Igwe.

African Independent Television (AIT) and Premium Times also reported that their reporters covering the peaceful hunger protests in Abuja were affected by tear gas fired by police personnel.

According to Amnesty International (AI), FCT police personnel used violent force on peaceful protesters.

In a statement on Saturday, Amnesty added that 50 protesters were arrested by the command.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the ongoing violent crackdown on peaceful protesters who convened at Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja. The over 50 peaceful protesters arbitrarily arrested across the FCT must be released immediately and unconditionally.

“The shocking and unconscionable use of deadly force on protesters against hunger in the FCT is unacceptable. Those suspected of responsibility must be held to account. People have the right to peacefully demand accountability through protests. This right must be respected,” Amnesty International said.