By Rose Onda
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, on Monday threatened to deal ruthlessly with anyone or groups of persons involved in any form of protest in any part of the metropolis.
The Lagos State Police boss gave this warning ahead of a planned protest by some civil society groups in commemoration of one year anniversary of @EndSARS.
it had earlier been reported in October 2020, that a number of persons were reportedly killed or injured while several properties, including police stations were destroyed during the protest against alleged police brutality in Lagos.
But reacting to the plan by some groups to organize a protest to mark one year anniversary of EndSARS, Odumosu said intelligence at the disposal of the Command had revealed clandestine plans by some youths, individuals or groups to embark on protest on Monday in commemoration of one year anniversary of EndSARS.
He said Lagosians 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.
He 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.
“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 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 protest are also warned in their own interest to desist from such unpatriotic plan or face the full weight or wrath of the law” he said.