Sanwo Olu imposes 24-hr curfew to halt protests in Lagos

Sanwo Olu imposes 24-hr curfew to halt protests in Lagos

In a brutal decision by the Lagos state government to shut down all demonstrations and the increased calls for the disbandment of SARS and reformation of the system of governance in the country, a 24-hour state-wide curfew has been imposed in Lagos state effective today, 20 October, commencing at 4 PM, a move that has incensed residents who are contemplating a standoff with the government and their security forces tasked with enforcing the curfew.

Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the unthinkable this morning via his official Twitter handle, according to his statement Sanwo-Olu claimed the curfew would ensure “criminal and miscreants” hiding under the umbrella of peaceful protests to unleash mayhem are not allowed to bring anarchy upon the state

Protesters say they are not surprised by the move as there has been clear even fence the government will go to any extent to stifle the voice of the people.

Recall that the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Femi Gbajabiamila had pleaded with protesters to halt protests for two weeks after meeting with the Presidency yesterday, a plea that fell on deaf ears as many believed it is the usual tactics by the government to dismiss public opinion.

The Governor’s Tweet:

Dear Lagosians,

I have watched with shock how what began as a peaceful #EndSARS protest has degenerated into a monster that is threatening the well-being of our society. Lives and limbs have been lost as criminals and miscreants are now hiding under the umbrella
…
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 20, 2020