In an address to the nation on Thursday evening, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari called for an end to mass protests against police brutality that have gripped the country – but did not mention the shootings of peaceful protesters that prompted international outrage. He instead called on security operatives not to harm citizens, while condemning attacks on police officers. Buhari said protesters should “resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos” and undermine democracy. “For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated,” he said. He said it was not true that his government was oblivious to the sufferings of Nigerians, describing this as a falsehood spread on social media. Dozens of people including protesters and police officers have been killed in the violence that has resulted from the protests in many states.
