The Lagos State Police Command says it will not allow street protests in commemoration of the #EndSARS anniversary due on October 20th, 2021.
A statement signed by Polis Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said information being circulated on the social media insinuating that the police in Lagos have agreed to allow the protest is false noting that on the contrary, the Police will only allow indoor and virtual events in commemoration of the EndSARS anniversary and will provide adequate security at the venues if made known, in recognition of rights of every Nigerian to freely express their views.
According to the statement, the Command regret that it could permit such street protests noting that “intelligence at its report has revealed plans by some faceless groups or individuals to stage an anti-EndSARS anniversary protest in the state same day.”
The statement read in part; “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, the Command considers it inappropriate to allow such protests to hold. It will not stand aloof and allow breakdown of law and order which the protests may cause.”
“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.”
Parents, guardians are admonished to warn their children against participating in the protests. Similarly, youths and other individuals or groups planning to take part in the protests are further warned in their own interest to shelve the plan.
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