Commissioner of Police in Lagos state, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has on Monday, warned against any protest to mark the first anniversary of #EndSARS.
In October 2020, Nigerians took to the streets in some parts of the country to protest against the now-disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force.
The protest, tagged #EndSARS, was later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to killings and destruction of public buildings.
In the past few weeks, there has been the rumour that a protest will be organised in some parts of the country to commemorate the first anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, the state police command says credible intelligence at its disposal indicates that some youths, individuals or groups were planning to embark on protest in commemoration of one year anniversary of #EndSARS.
Ajisebutu warned that the police would not hesitate to use all legal means to stop the protest from taking place following the experience of the last #EndSARS protest.
He stated;
Credible intelligence at the disposal of the command has revealed clandestine plans by some youths, individuals or groups to embark on a protest today in commemoration of the one year anniversary of #EndSARS.
Lagosians and indeed Nigerians cannot afford to relive the distasteful experience of last year’s protest which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of public and private property.
In view of the volatility of the present situations in the country and the breakdown of law and order which the planned protest might cause, the Lagos State Police Command sternly warns against any form of protest today.
Ajisebutu stated;
The command wishes to use this medium to warn the youth, groups or associations planning such protest to jettison the idea forthwith.
The police in the state will not fold their arms and allow some misguided elements disrupt the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state.
To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use all legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest.
The spokesperson also urged parents and guardians to advise their children against participating in the planned protest.
He said individuals or groups sponsoring such a protest were also warned to desist from such unpatriotic plans or face the full wrath of the law.
Ajisebutu stressed;
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, assures all law-abiding residents of the state to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation. Adequate and additional security measures have been put in place to ensure the protection of their lives and property today and even beyond.
The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu assures all law-abiding residents of the state to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation.
He added;
Adequate, additional security measures have been put in place to ensure the protection of their lives and property today and even beyond.
