President Muhammadu Buhari says at least 69 people have been
killed in the #EndSARS protests raging across the country.
According to the BBC, the president announced the death toll
during a virtual meeting with former leaders and security chiefs on Friday.
Buhari was quoted as saying 51 civilians, 11 police
officers, and seven soldiers had been killed in the unrest.
A statement released by Femi Adesina, presidential
spokesman, at the end of the meeting also quoted Buhari as saying it is
unfortunate that the “initial genuine and well-intended protest of youths was
hijacked and misdirected”.
According to the statement, the president said despite
accepting the demands of the protesters, they refused to stop the
demonstrations.
”Unfortunately, the protesters refused to call off the
protest and engage the government to address their grievances. Instead, they
became emboldened and gradually turned violent,” the president was quoted to
have said.
Buhari maintained that the federal government will not fold
its arms and allow “miscreants and criminals continue to perpetrate acts of
hooliganism in the country”.
”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,” the
statement read.
“The President thanked the former Heads of State for
attending the meeting and their invaluable comments, observations and advice,
adding that ‘Nigerians expect nothing less from responsible statesmen’.
“Each of the former leaders commended President Buhari for
steps taken so far to restore calm and order to the country and also applauded
the presidential broadcast of Thursday as detailed and soothing to the country.
“The former heads of state were unanimous in their view that
generation of employment and growing the economy, including through direct
foreign investments, were critical to checking youth restiveness.
“The former heads of state also condemned the divisive and
inciting pronouncements of separatists and were of the opinion that such acts
should be stopped.
“Equally, the former leaders commended the actions taken by
governors to address the demands of the ENDSARS protesters and their efforts to
check the excesses of those who perpetrated violent acts and conduct.
“Finally, they called on youths to pursue peaceful means in
seeking redress through engagement with government, and encouraged further
conversation with the youths and other stakeholders in the country.”
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