Lagos: The Lagos State Police has debunked insinuations that it has lifted the ban on street protests in commemoration of the one year EndSARS anniversary scheduled for Wednesday, 20th October, 2021.
The Command through its Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu on Tuesday, said 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 venues if known.
According to him, this is in recognition of rights of every Nigerian to express his or her interest.
He explained further that the decision to ban the street protests was due to intelligence at its disposal revealing plans to hijack the anniversary and perpetrate mayhem.
“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 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 on 20th October, 2021 and beyond,” he said.
The statement continued; “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.”
The Lagos Police Command said 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, it will not abdicate their responsibilities of protection of lives and property by allowing such avoidable incident happen again in the state
“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,” the Command said.
