The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, has issued a stern warning to residents against attacking protesters, as reports circulate about a planned nationwide protest.
Fayoade’s remarks came during a town hall meeting with traditional rulers and community leaders from Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Lagos Island local government areas on Saturday.
Calls for Peaceful Protests
Addressing the attendees, Fayoade emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during any demonstrations.
“If there must be a protest, it must be peaceful. We want to know those who want to protest so that we can make arrangements for their security,” he said.
He highlighted that while police and other security agencies have declared that there should not be any protests in Lagos State, residents should refrain from taking the law into their own hands by attacking protestors.
“Attacking them would mean taking laws into one’s hands,” he warned.
Right to Protest
Fayoade acknowledged the citizens’ right to protest legitimately, as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.
“It is your right to protest legitimately as long as it does not affect the rights of others.
Any group planning a violent protest should rethink. Such a group will meet police and other security agencies. We don’t want a repeat of the #EndSARS,” he cautioned.
Community Cooperation
The commissioner urged residents to provide timely information to the police about any group planning a violent protest rather than resorting to violence themselves.
“The duty of residents is to give the police timely information about any group planning a violent protest, it is not for them to attack them,” he said.
Traditional Leaders Support
In response to Fayoade’s appeal, the traditional ruler of Ijora/Apapa, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, urged his subjects not to join in the planned protest.
All the traditional rulers and community leaders present at the meeting echoed this sentiment, agreeing that there should not be any protests in Lagos State.
Commendation for Police Efforts
The leaders also commended the Commander of Area J Police Command, Mrs. Yemisi Ojo, for her efforts in tackling crime in the area.
They praised the commissioner of police for the recent neutralization of nine kidnappers in Mushin and called for increased efforts to curb the activities of land grabbers in their communities.
