By Olanrewaju Adesanya
Smarting from the monumental losses of lives and property recorded in last year #EndSARS protest in Lagos State, the state Police Command has expressed worries that, should the plan to hold a commemorative anniversary today be allowed, it could cause more damages for the state.
The command noted in a press release issued early this morning that, “Lagosian and, indeed, Nigerians cannot afford to relive the distasteful experience of last year protest, which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of public and private property”.
In the statement e-signed by the command spokesman (PPRO), CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, it said: “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 one year anniversary of ENDSARS.
Its major concern towards the move was based on the volatility of the present situation in the country, envisaging outright breakdown of law and order the planned protest might cause, and has consequently warned against it.
To this end, the Police have sent a note of warning to “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 disrupt the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state”, adding that, “To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use all legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest”.
It has, therefore, adviced parents and guardians to warn their children against participating in the planned protest, just as it warned individual and groups sponsoring it to desist from such unpatriotic plan or face the full weight or wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, according to the statement, “the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has assured 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 protection of their lives and property today and even beyond”.