Police brutality protests: Buhari addresses nation, silent on alleged military shooting of Nigerian youths

The Nigerian President, Muhammed Buhari on Thursday address the nation on the protest against police brutality and condemned hoodlums hijacking the peaceful violence, but was silence on the military attack on the genuine and peaceful protesters in Lekki, Lagos State.

Penpushing reports that, Buhari in his first speech after the Tuesday attack which claimed some lives and others injured did not bother to make any pronouncement to ensure the shooters are brought to book.

The President instead condemned the attack on police officers and called on security operatives not to harm citizens and called on citizens and residents to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties without inflicting harm to those they are meant to protect..

“And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty,”

Penpushing further reports that, Buhari condemned the violence carried out by hoodlums on citizens, security operatives, as well as public and private facilities, adding that it was obvious that due to their conduct many lives were lost.

“The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.”

Penpushing also reports that, the President accused some unidentified Nigerians of spreading ‘deliberate falsehood’ on social media about his government, stressing that such was deliberate to mislead the world.

“The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour,” he said.