Lagos CP warns locals not to harm protestors

Mr Adegoke Fayoade, Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, has warned locals not to harm demonstrators.

During a town hall meeting on Saturday, Fayoade urged traditional rulers and community leaders in the local government areas of Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Lagos Island.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some Nigerians are planning a nationwide protest due to the country’s hardship.

The demonstration will begin on August 1 and end on August 10.

Fayoade stated that, while police and other security services had gathered and determined that there would be no protests in Lagos State, locals should not harm any organization or groups that may come out to protest.

The commissioner of police stated that harming them would be tantamount to taking the law into one’s own hands.

"If there must be a demonstration, it should be peaceful. We want to know who wants to demonstrate so that we can take measures for their safety.

“You have the right to properly protest as long as you do not infringe on the rights of others.”

"Any group contemplating a violent protest should reconsider. This type of group will interact with law enforcement and other security services. We do not want a recurrence of endsars.

“The inhabitants’ obligation is to provide early information to the police about any organization organizing a violent protest; it is not their responsibility to attack them,” he stated.

Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, the traditional ruler of Ijora/Apapa, has urged his followers not to participate in the scheduled protests.

All traditional rulers and community leaders agreed that there should be no protest in Lagos State.

They praised the Commander of Area J Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Ojo, for her efforts in combating crime in the area.

They also commended Mushin’s police commissioner for recently neutralising nine kidnappers.

They encouraged the police chief to investigate the activities of land grabbers in their communities.