Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos commissioner of police, says the
command will deploy “legitimate means” to stop the planned protest to
commemorate 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 Nigeria Police Force.
To commemorate the first anniversary of the protest, youths
have planned a series of activities, including a protest at some strategic
places across the country.
In a statement signed by Adekunle Ajisebutu on Tuesday, the
Lagos police command said it has intelligence that some “faceless groups” are
planning an anti-EndSARS protest on the same day.
The command said it would only allow indoor and virtual
events, adding that security will the provided in such venues.
“Attention of the Lagos state police command has been drawn
to a post being circulated on the social media insinuating that the police in
Lagos have agreed to allow street protests in commemoration of the one year
EndSARS anniversary on 20th October, 2021,” the statement reads.
“On the contrary, the police will only allow an indoor and
virtual event in commemoration of the EndSARS anniversary and will provide
adequate security at the venue(s) if known. This is in recognition of the
rights of every Nigerian to express his or her interest.
“We wish we could
permit such street protests. However, intelligence at our disposal has revealed
plans by some faceless groups or individuals to stage an anti-EndSARS
anniversary protest in the state, same day.
“In view of the conflicting interest between the pro and
anti- EndSARS anniversary groups and threat to cause mayhem, the Command once
again warns both groups against any form of street protest between now and 20th
October, 2021 and beyond.
“It is acknowledged that citizens have the right to peaceful
protests. However, in this instance having carried out a critical security
assessment and intelligence report at the disposal of the Lagos command in
respect of the planned protests and attendant implications on public safety.
“To avoid a recurrence of the gory protests of last year
during which some innocent Nigerians including police officers were gruesomely
murdered, private and public property plundered and maliciously destroyed, the
police will not abdicate their responsibilities of protection of lives and
property by allowing such avoidable incident happen again in the state
“Therefore, in the
interest of security and public safety, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem
Odumosu, wishes to warn the organisers of the protests that the police will
deploy all legitimate means to stop or neutralise the planned protests.”
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