FOLASHADE KEHINDE
THE Lagos State Police Command, on Sunday, warned against any gathering, procession or protest in the state, saying some people it described as unpatriotic individuals and groups were planning to embark on another protest.
The Command said the Police and other security agencies would not fold their arms and watch individuals or groups orchestrate another violence and anarchy in the state, warning that “any unlawful gathering, procession or protest will be suppressed professionally in accordance with the provisions of the law.”
It noted that it had reliably gathered intelligence that the groups had concluded plans to embark on a replica of the recent destructive and violent #EndSARS protest that left pains and agonies in Lagos State.
These were contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, titled, “No room for violent protest, gathering in Lagos”.
There had been posters circulating on the social media about a Phase 2 of the #EndSARS protest, billed to begin on Monday, December 7, 2020.
The fresh demands, according to the poster, are: “Buhari, Buratai, Sanwo-Olu must resign and face ICC for killing innocent Nigerians at Lekki toll; free all #EndSARS protesters; unfreeze all bank accounts of #EndSARS protesters and referendum.”
The PPRO’s statement said, “The Lagos State Police Command has again warned against any gathering, procession or protest in Lagos State as some unpatriotic individuals and groups are planning to embark on the replica of the recent destructive and violent Endsars protest that left pains and agonies in Lagos State
“The Command has reliably gathered intelligence that certain individuals/groups have concluded plans to lure unsuspecting Lagosians, especially youths, into their planned protest which is proposed to commence tomorrow, Monday 7th December, 2020 at designated locations in the state.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to re-echo and remind the general public that the Government of Lagos State, businesses, individuals, and security families still groan in losses and pains that the last violent Endsars protest occasioned. Lagos State is still nurturing the wounds orchestrated by some violent EndSARS protesters and not fit to accommodate such protest for now.
“In the light of the above, the Lagos State Police Command, therefore, warns those who might want to disguise under EndSARS protest to cause another set of mayhem, brouhaha and violence in the state, to desist from such plans as the police and other security agencies will not fold their arms seeing individuals or groups orchestrating another violence and anarchy in the state.”
The Command also warned parents and guardians to warn and discourage their children and wards from being lured into any act, gathering or protest capable of causing violence in the state.
“The Command wishes to reiterate that any unlawful gathering, procession or protest will be suppressed professionally in accordance with the provisions of the law. The police command encourages Lagosians and those who are in Lagos for their genuine engagements, to go about their lawful businesses as all hands are on deck to maintain law and order within the length and breadth of Lagos State,” the statement said.
