Ireti Kingibe

The Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, has taken a swipe at the Nigeria Police over the way its officials are handling peaceful protesters in the nation’s capital.

Senator Ireti Kingibe said Abuja protesters were peaceful until the FCT Police Command personnel fired live shots and tear gas canisters on the citizens.

The FCT Senator added that there was no violence or looting of public infrastructure and shops or any act of criminality from the protesters.

Senator Kingibe’s statement on Sunday followed her earlier comment on the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protest that generated reactions, the same day.

In her earlier tweet, Mrs Kingibe said, “My heart is shattered seeing the devastating violence and destruction unfolding between the Nigerian police and protesters, especially in our federal capital.

“It’s time for us to come together, engage in dialogue, and find alternative solutions to this senseless cycle of violence. We must prioritize protecting the lives and properties of both our government and our people.

“As the senator of the good people of the FCT and a mother, I feel the pain and anguish of our citizens, and I am deeply saddened by the injuries and loss of life. My thoughts are with those who are suffering, and I pray for the souls of the departed to rest in peace.

“Let us work towards healing, recovery, and rebuilding our beloved Nigeria. We must find a way to engage our citizens and address their concerns, ensuring that we don’t continue to lose our children to senseless violence. Let’s move forward together, with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to peace and understanding. It is time to engage for good good governance.”

Following criticism from X users that she was political in her statement, she explained that she knew protesters in Abuja, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, were peacefully demonstrating until the FCT Police personnel fired tear gas and live shots at them.

“I have read most of the comments to my earlier tweet today and for the record let me categorically state that the protest in Federal Capital Territory remained peaceful until the police launched an attack, firing teargas and shots at the protesters. To the best of my knowledge, there were no reports of any shops being looted or vandalized in Abuja,” Senator Ireti said.