The Lagos State commissioner of police, Hakeem Odumosu, has said police officers would resist any form of protest in the state in commemoration of one year after the #EndSARS protest.
Odumosu said this in a statement released on Monday by Adekunle Ajisebutu, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command.
Recall that the #EndSARS protests, which held between October 8 and 20, 2020, was a public outcry for an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, extortion and abuse of power, especially by officers of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The police statement read, “Credible intelligence at the disposal of the Command has revealed clandestine plans by some youths, individuals or groups to embark on protest today (Monday) in commemoration of one year anniversary of #EndSARS.
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 police added that Lagosians cannot afford to relive the “distasteful experience” of last year’s protests which, he said, “caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of public and private properties”.
“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,” it said.
Recall that the #EndSARS protest, which started off peacefully, turned violent as hoodlums took advantage of the situation, burnt police stations, public facilities and carried out attacks on officers and citizens.
The protest ended on October 20,2020, when officers of the Nigerian Army shot at the protesters, killing and injuring some.
Reacting to fresh plans by youth and groups to commemorate the one year anniversary of the #EndSARS protest, the police commissioner asked the groups to suspend the idea.
Odumosu said, “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.”
