The Lagos State Police Command has said that it will not put up with any kind of gathering at the state’s Lekki tollgate.
The command made this known as several Civil Society Organisations (CEOs) prepare for a peaceful march today to commemorate the third anniversary of the events that transpired on October 20, 2020, during the #EndSARS protests in Lekki, Lagos.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said in a statement released on Thursday via his X handle that no gathering or assembly of any kind will be permitted close to tollgate.
Hundeyin further assured that the police would be present in full force to ensure the safety of all participants in the peaceful procession, provided they do not disrupt traffic.
He wrote, “Buses at/by Oriental Hotel suggests stopping/waiting of buses and gathering of passengers. For the avoidance of doubt, no gathering/convergence whatsoever would be allowed anywhere around the toll gate.
“However, men of #LagosPoliceNG would be fully on ground to ensure security for all persons participating in the peaceful walk as long as they are not obstructing traffic.”
Recall that the #EndSARS protests were an attempt by the public to voice their outrage about extrajudicial executions, police violence, extortion, and power abuse, especially by the now-dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The Nigerian Federal Government disbanded SARS as a result of the nonviolent protests.
Unfortunately, the protests turned violent as a result of nefarious people setting fire to public buildings, police stations, and other targets, as well as attacking both civilians and law enforcement personnel.
Fearless young people gathered at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos on October 20, 2020, to demonstrate against poverty, poor governance, and police brutality. The protests were believed to have been met with violence.
Ada Peter
