President Muhammadu Buhari said at least 69 people were killed in protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.
The protests have rocked the country for more than two weeks.
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He said the deaths included 51 civilians, 11 police officers and seven soldiers. He also said 37 people were injured.
The president, who disclosed this in an emergency meeting with former leaders, aimed at finding ways to end the ongoing unrest, said there were attacks on 205 critical national infrastructure and other corporate and private properties in 14 states: Lagos, Edo, Delta, Oyo, Kano, Plateau, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, Abia, Imo, Ekiti and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“A total of nine firearms, including seven AK 47 rifles were carted away during attacks on police stations. Several thousands of inmates were freed during attacks on correctional centres in Edo, Ondo and Lagos states.
The mayhem has not stopped. Throughout the disturbances, security agencies observed extreme restraint,” he said.
According to the president, the youths, who started protests against the excesses of some members of the SARS, demanding that the squad be disbanded, later added more demands, including an immediate release of all arrested protesters, justice for deceased victims of police brutality and appropriate compensation for their families, as well as setting up an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reports of police misconduct within 10 days, among others.
While noting that it was unfortunate that the initial genuine and well-intended protest of the youths in parts of the country against SARS has been hijacked and misdirected, he said government would not fold its arms and allow miscreants and criminals to continue to perpetrate these acts of hooliganism.
The president said they would continue to improve good governance through democratic process, including sustained engagement.
“We shall also continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected. Here, I want to also reaffirm our commitment to preserving the unity of this country,” he said.
He also assured former leaders that the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens, in particular, youths, were a top priority of his administration.
