Activists have lined up activities that would be held in commemoration of last year’s #EndSARS protests which were held in the country between October 8 and 20.
This is coming on the heels of the warning by the Lagos State Police Command to resist any form of #EndSARS protest in the State, vowing not to fold their arms and allow some misguided elements to disrupt the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state.
The demonstration was a public outcry for an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, extortion, and abuse of power, especially by officers of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protest, which started off peacefully, led to the disbandment of SARS by the federal government, although it got hijacked by hoodlums who burnt police stations, public facilities and were on a looting spree.
The protest was brought to a halt on October 20 when officers of the Nigerian Army shot at the protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, reportedly killing and injuring some of the mostly youth protesters.
In the main, some flyers shared on social media show that the events will begin with a Jumat service on October 15 at Jumaat Suadr Central Mosque, Ojota, Lagos.
This will be followed by traditional rites on October 16 at the New Afrika Shrine in Agidingbi, Lagos. On October 17, a church service will be held at Logos Christian Centre in Oregun, Lagos.
Memorial protests will also hold in major cities like Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. The activists will also hold an event at the Lekki tollgate, Lagos on October 20, The Punch reports.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had stated on Monday that “credible intelligence at the disposal of the Command has revealed clandestine plans by some youths, individuals or groups to embark on protest in commemoration of one year anniversary of ENDSARS”.
“To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use all legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest,” he added, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Adekunle Ajisebutu.
