‘We won’t fold our arms’ — Lagos CP warns youths against protest to mark #EndSARS

Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos state commissioner of police, says the command will not tolerate any protest by youths to commemorate the first anniversary of #EndSARS protest.

In October 2020, Nigerians took to the streets in some parts of the country to protest against the now-disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force.

The protest, tagged #EndSARS, was later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to killings and destruction of public buildings.

In the past few weeks, there has been the rumour that a protest will be organised in some parts of the country to commemorate the first anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.

Reacting to the development on Monday, Odumosu, in a statement released by Adekunle Ajisebutu, Lagos police spokesperson, said “credible intelligence” has revealed the “clandestine plans” of some youths to embark on a protest to commemorate one year of #EndSARS protest.

The Lagos police commissioner warned those planning the protest to jettison the idea, adding that the command will not fold its arms to allow “misguided elements” to disrupt the peace and serenity of the state.

“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,” the statement reads.

“Lagosians and indeed Nigerians cannot afford to relive the distasteful experience of last year’s protest which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of public and private property.

“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.

“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.”