Nigeria’s President Reports 69 persons killed in #EndSARS protests

According to the BBC, the president announced the death toll during a virtual meeting with former leaders and security chiefs on Friday.

Buhari was quoted as saying 51 civilians, 11 police officers, and seven soldiers had been killed in the unrest.

A statement released by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, at the end of the meeting also quoted Buhari as saying it is unfortunate that the “initial genuine and well-intended protest of youths was hijacked and misdirected”.

According to the statement, the president said despite accepting the demands of the protesters, they refused to stop the demonstrations.

”Unfortunately, the protesters refused to call off the protest and engage the government to address their grievances. Instead, they became emboldened and gradually turned violent,” the president was quoted to have said.

Buhari maintained that the federal government will not fold its arms and allow “miscreants and criminals continue to perpetrate acts of hooliganism in the country”.

Source : https://www.thecable.ng/buhari-69-persons-killed-in-endsars-protests