#EndSARS: I won’t condone attacks on protesters, says Dapo Abiodun

Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, has condemned the attacks on #EndSARS protesters by security operatives in some parts of Nigeria.

There have been reports of attacks on protesters since the #EndSARS campaign began last week.

But in a Twitter thread on Sunday, Abiodun said his government would not condone any attack on those “peacefully” demanding an end to police brutality across the state.

He described the campaign against the special anti-robbery aquad (SARS) as one of national interest.

Abiodun added that he has already contacted relevant security authorities in the state to ensure peaceful protests are not disrupted.

“The use of threat, physical harm or lethal control by any security agency to resist peaceful protests will not be accepted by this government under my watch, and I have given express directives that will be followed to the letter in this regard,” he wrote.

The use of threat, physical harm or lethal control by any security agency to resist peaceful protests will not be accepted by this Government under my watch, and I have given express directives that will be followed to the letter in this regard.

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— Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON (@DapoAbiodunCON) October 11, 2020

The governor, however, confirmed the arrest of 15 #EndSARS protesters in Abeokuta, the state capital, explaining that security operatives took the measure after the peaceful demonstration was hijacked.

“Sadly however, I received reports of daring attacks in Abeokuta by a fraction of people who hijacked the hitherto peaceful #EndSARS demonstrations organised by mostly Ogun state youths originally organised to make the voice of the good people of Ogun state heard,” he added.

“I can personally confirm that this led to the arrest of 15 persons. I have been working closely with the commissioner of police and the attorney general towards ensuring that any case of mistaken identity is immediately addressed, even as all suspects have been given undeterred access to legal representation.

“This will ensure that no suspect’s right is breached and due process is followed.”

He enjoined residents of the state to remain law abiding will carrying out demonstrations.

“I want to plead with the entire Ogun state populace to remain peaceful and calm, even as I will do everything in my power to continue to allow peaceful protests and demonstrations across the state on this matter of national interest and others, going forward,” he said.

Shortly after the police dispersed a crowd of protesters with live bullets, water cannons and tear gas in Abuja on Sunday, Adamu Mohammed, the inspector-general of police, announced the disbandment of SARS.