TheCable

The Osun police command says it will not tolerate any protest to commemorate the #EndSARS anniversary in the state.

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

To commemorate the first anniversary of the movement, youths have planned a series of activities, including protests at strategic places across the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, Yemisi Opalola, the Osun police spokesperson, said the command will not tolerate any unlawful protest and warned youths in the state against such action.

“The intelligence that availed the police command revealed clandestine plans by some youths/group of people to embark on protest in commemoration of one year anniversary of EndSARS scheduled to hold October 20,” the statement reads.

“In view of this, the commissioner of police, Olawale Olokode, hereby warns individuals or group and their sponsor(s) to stop the plan or any of such action forthwith.

“The command will not allow a repeat of last year’s EndSARS saga and is fully prepared to use all legitimate means to avert such intending protest.

“The police command will not tolerate any unlawful protest/gathering or assembly that will jeopardise the peace of the state.

“Last year’s EndSARS protest, which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of public and private property, still lingers in the minds of Nigerians, especially the police and other security agencies.

“Therefore, the CP has given marching orders to the area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical units to be at alert and nip in the bud any act capable of truncating the peace of the state.

“The CP advises parents and guardians to warn their wards to be law abiding and desist from such planned protest/gathering/assembly as the state police command will arrest and prosecute defaulters.

“The CP advised the good people of the state to go about their lawful daily activities while the command has taken necessary security measures to forestall any likely breakdown of law and order.”