The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Monday strongly cautioned against any planned protest in the state. This followed a public display of interest by some individuals and groups to protest and honour the lives of those lost during the last ENDSARS protests. A statement signed by the State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Adekunle Ajisebutu, revealed that the command had received information of a planned protest to mark one year of the #EndSARS protest. The police boss promised that his officers would resist any of such protests. The statement reads: “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 the first anniversary of ENDSARS. “Lagosians and indeed Nigerians cannot afford to relive the distasteful experience of last year's 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 to 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 protests are also warned in their own interest to desist from such unpatriotic plans 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 the protection of their lives and property today and even beyond.”
The #EndSARS protests were held across the country last year as a campaign against police brutality but the protest later turned violent with wanton destruction of public and private properties and loss of lives.
