The Lagos state police command has urged people against organizing any protests to mark the one-year anniversary of the state’s #EndSARS protest.
Last October, thousands of Nigerian youths took to the streets to protest police violence.
After being seized by thugs, the demonstration became violent.
The state police command claims credible evidence at its disposal suggests that some youths, persons, or organizations were intending to protest on the one-year anniversary of ENDSARS, according to a statement released by its spokesperson, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu.
The command claims that Lagosians, and moreover Nigerians, cannot afford to repeat the unpalatable experience of last year’s demonstration, which resulted in “pain, misery, unnecessary loss of life, and wanton destruction of public and private property,” according to the command. Individuals or groups who may want to hold an anniversary demonstration should drop the notion now or face the full force of the law, according to the command.
”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.
The Command wishes to use this medium to warn the youths, 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.
Therefore, parents and guardians are advised to warn their children against participating in the planned protest. Individuals or groups sponsoring such protest are also warned in their own interest to desist from such unpatriotic plan or face the full weight or wrath of the law.”
According to Ajisebutu, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, guarantees all law-abiding inhabitants of the state that they will not be harassed or intimidated while conducting their legitimate enterprises. Extra security measures have been put in place to guarantee their lives and property are protected today and in the future.
