The Commissioner of Police (CP), Lagos State, Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, on Friday addressed a summit at Campos Mini Stadium, Campbell Street, Lagos Island, focusing on the youth and the supposed upcoming protest scheduled for August 1st-10th.
A summit held at Campos Mini stadium brought together dignitaries, including the Oba of Lagos, Oba of iganmu, White Cap Chiefs, and government officials, to address concerns about an impending protest to hold for 10 days.
The CP of Lagos State, Fayoade,said “the recent call for another protest in Lagos has sparked concerns among residents, who remember the devastating impact of the previous EndSARS protest.
“The aftermath of the last protest left the city with significant losses and damages, which are still felt today.”
He added that,”One of the most notable consequences was the destruction of historic landmarks and vital administrative centers.
“The Lagos Island City Hall, a symbol of the city’s rich history, was set ablaze, resulting in the loss of irreplaceable records and disruptions to public services.
“Similarly, the Oyingbo BRT buses and terminal were destroyed, severely impacting public transportation and commuting for thousands of residents,”he said.
He further said, ”the education sector was also severely affected, as the Lagos Island Library, a crucial resource for students and researchers, was set on fire.
“The loss of books, learning materials, and the facility itself has left a void in the community’s access to knowledge and education, with no reconstruction to date.”
Furthermore, “the destruction of the Igbosere Court, one of the oldest and most important judicial buildings in Nigeria, was a significant blow to the city’s judicial system.
“The looting of the Oba of Lagos’ residence was also a deeply traumatic event, disrespecting the traditional heritage and leadership of the community,”Fayoade said.
“In addition to these specific incidents, various marketplaces were looted, leading to significant financial losses for traders and affecting livelihoods and the local economy.
“These events highlight the destructive consequences of violent protests, which harm the community’s infrastructure, heritage, and economic stability,”he said.
The CP of Lagos State, Fayoade, stressed the importance of peaceful protests, stating, “It’s a constitutional right to protest, but it must be peaceful. We will ensure maximum security and prevent damage.
“Whoever is protesting, let us know and we would engage with them. We would agree on a module and direct them to the designated protest area, Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park.
“We would provide security, allowing them to express their grievances while ensuring the safety of all Lagosians.
“The Governor and the people of Lagos will listen to their requests and concerns,” Fayoade said.
“We will ensure the safety of all individuals involved, including protesters, bystanders, and the community at large. It is our duty to protect protesters and prevent any hijacking.
“If you encounter protesters, do not attack them – police would be present to maintain peace.
“We will monitor the protest route, from start to finish, to prevent any unauthorised takeover. I promise a trouble-free protest,” Fayoade said.
“The various associations in Lagos must take note and play a crucial role in educating their members not to embark on protests.
“In the event that protests proceed, we would have standby security measures in place to prevent violence.
“Our primary objective is to maintain peace – that is our mandate,”he said.
Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, represented by High Chief Lateef Abongunde, pleaded with Lagosians to avoid destructive protests, saying, “Let’s not allow strangers to destroy what we’ve built. Meet with elders and address issues peacefully,’I Lu Eko oni daru o’.”
Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Sanni, warned that prolonged protests can be hijacked, leading to vandalism and theft.
“If the protest persists for more than 4 days, there is a risk of hijacking, and individuals may exploit the situation to loot properties under the guise of protesting.
“To mitigate this, we have arranged for palliative packages worth approximately N750 million to be distributed across the 94 wards in Lagos, with compensation to be provided on Wednesday at 11am,”Sanni said.
Commissioner Fayoade assured Nigerians of maximum security, stating, “Go about your normal duties; we will provide adequate security. It would be very peaceful, and we have the capacity to provide the security needed.”
The Commissional said that, “It is essential for Lagosians to remember these devastating impacts and say no to another protest.
“Instead, we should focus on finding peaceful and constructive ways to address our grievances and work towards building a better future for our community,”he concluded.
Boluwatife Enome
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