‘We Will Suppress Any Planned Protest’ — Police Kick Against #EndSARS One Year Remembrance

The Lagos State Police Command has reacted to reports of a planned protest by residents of the state to commemorate the October 2020 EndSARS protest.

The command in a statement issued by its’s spokesperson, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said it would use all legitimate means within its constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest.

The statement read partly: “Credible intelligence at the disposal of the Command has revealed clandestine plans by some youths, individuals or groups to embark on protest today in commemoration of one year anniversary of ENDSARS.

“Lagosians and indeed Nigerians cannot afford to relive the distasteful experience of last year 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.

“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”.

Recall that in October 2020, the country witnessed the massive #EndSARS protests both physically and on all social media platform, as many young Nigerians campaigned against police brutality and others vices reportedly perpetrated by operatives of the disbanded SARS.

During one of the protests that lasted for days, protesters were reportedly shot by security operatives after they disobeyed an order by the Federal Government to halt the protest.

The unfortunate event took place at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, while many people were said to have been killed in different parts of the country.

To that effect, the Lagos police said, “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.

“Meanwhile, 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, additional security measures have been put in place to ensure protection of their lives and property today and even beyond”.