June 12: Why we dispersed protesters in Abuja —Police

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Saturday justified the decision by its men to disperse protesters at the Gudu Area of the nation’s capital, Abuja

The PUNCH had reported that security men fired teargas canisters at the protesters in the area with many including a correspondent of The PUNCH running to safety.

However, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Mariam, in a statement said policemen had to disperse the protesters to prevent members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and others from “inciting public disturbance.”

She added that calm had been restored around the axis, saying nobody was arrested.

The statement was titled, ‘FCT Police foils attempt to incite public disturbance, disperse members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and others.’

Mariam said, “The FCT Police Command on Saturday, June 12, 2021, successfully restored calm at Apo-Gudu axis after professionally dispersing a protest by some members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria – Shiites and others targeted at inciting public disturbance and breaching public peace.

“Consequently, the action of the command was necessitated by the concerns of some agitated residents. However, no arrest was made.

“In view of the above, the command wishes to state that it is committed to ensuring that FCT residents enjoy a hitch-free Democracy Day celebration and will not hesitate to bring to book every person or entity that attempts to breach the peace or cause a breakdown of law and order in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The command implores residents to remain calm and law-abiding while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property within the FCT.”