The Nigerian Police Force has issued strong warnings against those planning remembrance activities for the ENDSARS protest.
It will be recalled that protests against police brutality protests tagged “ENDSARS rocked the better part of October last year.
Last year’s protests against police brutality which peaked with an alleged attack on protesters at the popular Lekki Tollgate, on October 20, 2020.
Till date, figures of casualties remain disputed as protesters alleged “massacre while security agencies insisted that there was no massacre.
On the occasion of the one year anniversary, the police authorities have said it would not allow rallies to avert any other breach of the law and order.
While police commands across the states are issuing warnings, activists are telling the police to prepare for a showdown.
At the last count Lagos , Osun and Abuja Federal Capital Territory commands of the police have issued warnings that no protests will be allowed.
Yemisi Olopade, Osun State Command spokesman, said on behalf of CP Wale Olokode, that the state would not permit any rally.
Said she, “The intelligence available to the police command revealed underground/nocturnal plans by some youths/group of people to embark on protest in commemoration of one-year anniversary of EndSARS saga.
“The last year “EndSARS protest” still lingers in the minds of Nigerians especially the police and other security agencies which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of public and private property.”
Reports say that already, the Lagos Command of the police has deployed its men and vans to the Lekki area in anticipation of any rallies.
Adekunle Ajisebutu, Command spokesman, said “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,” Ajisebutu said.
“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.”
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