Endsars protesters, pro-govt group flexing; police reiterates initial order, shows force

Contrary to earlier news that the Lagos police command had allowed the Endsars protest planners to have their commemoration Wednesday, the command has stated the ban earlier placed on the rally remains.

Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, in a statement on Tuesday, announced that only indoor and virtual gatherings will be allowed.

The spokesman said such events will get adequate security in recognition of rights of every Nigerian to express his or her interest.

According to him, it received intelligence that some groups or individuals were planning to stage an anti-End SARS demonstration, too.

The conflicting interests and threats, he said, have necessitated the ban.

“After a critical assessment of the planned protests and attendant implications on public safety, “the command considers it inappropriate to allow such protests to hold.

“It will not stand aloof and allow breakdown of law and order which the protests may cause.”

“The police will not abdicate the protection of lives and property by allowing avoidable incidents”, the PRO added.

Last October 20, Nigerian youth climaxed an anti-police brutality protest in mayhem across the nation, scores of lives lost and properties worth trillions of naira were destroyed.