Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has said that the Command will deploy legitimate means to stop the planned protest to commemorate the first anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.
Recall that in October 2020, Nigerian youths 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.
To commemorate the first anniversary of the movement, youths have planned a series of activities, including protests at some strategic places across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command, it has intelligence that some ‘faceless groups’ are planning an anti-#EndSARS protest on the referred day.
The Command said it would only allow indoor and virtual events, adding that security will the provided at such venues.
The 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 first #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 on 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”.
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, the Police further stated.
