The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Hakeem Odumosu, has declared that no protest would be allowed at the Lekki toll gate.
The police chief made this known at a briefing on Thursday, noting that some “criminal-minded elements” had concluded plans to cause another destructions; like one that followed the #EndSARS protest, last October.
Obinwanne news had reported EndSARS: Nigerian youths plan fresh protest amid decision to reopen toll gate
In the sequence of the planned protest, hashtags such as #OccupyLekkiTollgate and counter-protest hashtags such as #DefendLagos and #DemNoBornYourPapaWell has been trending online. Both protests are slated for Saturday.
However, the CP Odumosu, on Thursday, said: “Organising any protest in furtherance of the recent violent and destructive #EndSARS protest will be counterproductive to the ongoing series of inquiries and investigations into many cases related to the #EndSARS violence and the present security situation of the state.
“Above all, the command has gathered intelligence that some hidden agents of destruction and shadow parties that planned and orchestrated the last #EndSARS violence have concluded plans to cause another set of mayhem in Lagos State and spread same to other parts of the country, tactically and spontaneously, like the recent violence.
“Premised on the available intelligence and due threat analyses carried out on the planned protest, the command perceives such proposed protest as a calculated attempt to cause pandemonium, brouhaha and massive destruction of lives and properties under whatever guide and such will not be allowed in Lagos State.
“The Command also warns that adequate arrangement and deployment of security forces to kick against and dislodge any violent protest, gathering and procession in any part of the state has been emplaced. The decision of the command in this regard is in the interest of all and sundry in Lagos and to ensure that the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force are not compromised,” he said.
Ifesinachi Nnabugwu reporting, Obinwannem News
