Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has on Saturday confirmed the death of Jimoh Isiaka, one of the EndSARS protesters in Ogbomosho, a town in the state.
According to photos and videos shared via social media, the young was shot dead by police officers, which Oyo police command has denied.
Read Also: One Person Killed As Police Shoot At EndSARS Protesters In Ogbomoso, Oyo (photos/videos)
Reacting to this, Governor Makinde mourned the young man identified as Jimoh Isiaq saying he passed away at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
He also revealed that Abdulrasaq Olawale, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, and five other persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
This, however, comes after the Oyo state police command denied ever shooting at the EndSARS protesters in Ogbomosho.
Police spokesman in Oyo State, Olugbenga Fadeyi in a statement earlier on Saturday said that the police did not fire a single shot at any protesters but were dispersed with teargas.
Seyi Makinde, speaking further, said he has contacted the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, as well as other relevant agencies, and investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident was still ongoing.
Read his full statement below;
I have received with deep sadness the news of the passing of one of our children, Jimoh Isiaka, who was shot during the ENDSARS protest in Ogbomoso. He later died at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, earlier today.
Also, at this same protest, Abdulrasaq Olawale, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, and five other persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
This situation is highly regrettable. I have contacted the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant agencies, and investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident are still ongoing. I pray that God grants the parents of Jimoh Isiaka the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
The ENDSARS protests are a strong indicator of a systemic failure. It is a failure on the part of those who have been constitutionally empowered to protect the citizens. It again calls into question why State Governors are called Chief Security Officers of their state whereas, they do not have the necessary powers to control the police force.
I will be paying a personal visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and I promise to pursue the investigations to a logical conclusion.
Peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process. The right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution, and I will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights.
I call on all residents of Oyo State to please remain calm. I also call on the Police to allow residents of Oyo State protest peacefully without fear of being assaulted.
Again, I express my deepest sympathies to the family of Jimoh Isiaka, may his soul rest in peace.
