[ad_1]
The demonstrations, which were sparked by calls to disband the notorious Special Anti-Theft Squad (Sars), shook the country for more than two weeks.
FILE: Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian President, sits in Shehu de Borno’s palace in Maiduguri on February 12, 2020. Image: AFP
JOHANNESBURG – Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said at least 69 people were killed during protests pushing for police reform in his country.
The demonstrations, sparked by calls to disband the notorious Special Anti-Theft Squad (Sars), rocked the country for more than two weeks.
Buhari said the deaths included 51 civilians, 11 police officers and seven soldiers.
The president, who revealed this in an emergency meeting with former leaders, is now looking for ways to end the ongoing unrest.
He added that there were also attacks on 205 critical national infrastructure and other corporate private property in 14 states, including Lagos.
According to the president, the young people who started the demonstrations later added more demands, including the immediate release of all arrested protesters.
While noting that it was regrettable that the initial genuine and well-intentioned youth protest in parts of the country against Sars has been hijacked and misdirected, he said the government will not stand by and allow criminals to continue perpetrating these acts of vandalism. .
[ad_2]
