It is about a week to a full year after the events of the #EndSARS protests, and the Lagos State Police Command has warned against plans by any group to hold an anniversary protest.
The command warned that intelligence reports had revealed that such plans were in the offing.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Adekunle Ajisebutu, in which he warned that cannot afford to experience the protest again.
“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,” the statement 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,” he said.
The mass protests against police brutality reached its climax on October 20, 2020 when men in military uniform opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki Tollgate, leading to the death of an unspecified number of people.
The identities of those who shot the protesters have remained a controversy almost one year after the incident.
