October 1 Protests: FCT Police Response Explained
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has firmly denied allegations that its officers attacked protesters during the October 1, 2024, demonstrations in Abuja.
According to a statement from the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the officers’ actions were aimed at preventing looting at the Utako market.
The police emphasized that their intervention was based on intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals were attempting to exploit the protests as a cover for criminal activities, including robbing traders.
The police maintained that they did not target peaceful protesters and stressed that their role was to protect both demonstrators and businesses.
The statement urged the public to disregard any misleading information, assuring that the police remain committed to upholding public safety and the right to peaceful protest​