#EndSARS: Protesters, Youths, ‘Hooligans’ Defy Lagos Curfew
IGP deploys anti-riot squad
US shuts Lagos Consulate
Lekki toll gate set ablaze
Amnesty International kicks, seeks independent inquiry
BY COBHAM NSA, LAGOS – Reports of disturbing blitz headlined #EndSARS Campaigners’ protests on Tuesday night in Lagos as irate youths and suspected ‘hoodlums’ confronted security operatives in defiance of the 24-hours curfew imposed in the State by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
But given the difficulties experienced by many motorists and commuters in getting home before the initial 4pm deadline, the Lagos State government later released a new statement extending the curfew timeline to 9pm on Tuesday.
This is as the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, ordered the immediate deployment of anti-riot policemen across the country to protect police as well as public facilities being attacked and destroyed by some self-styled #EndSARS protesters.
Early on Tuesday morning things went awry in Nigeria’s former seat of power as some unidentified protesters and policemen reportedly lost their lives in the process while four police stations across the State were torched by angry youths suspected to be ‘Area boys, hoodlums and cultists’.
Also not spared in the resultant crisis were public offices and a commercial bank building that came under attack, with the invading hoodlums, who disguised themselves as #EndSARS Campaigners, setting them on fire to vent their anger.
It also proved an utterly unforgettable bad day for a private hospital in Lagos as some hoodlums set the facility ablaze after accusing its medical personnel of rejecting to admit and treat one of the injured protesters
Similarly, the situation in Lekki axis of Lagos on Tuesday night was quite scary as things turned bloody when security agents sought to forcefully send the protesters parking from the toll gate vicinity that had become their campaign headquarters for days running.
Shots were heard being fired with yet-to-be confirmed reports indicating that some of the protesters were gunned down by invading military personnel during the clearly avoidable confrontation.
Like the ugly scenario witnessed at a popular bus stop called ‘Oando under bridge’ in Ikeja, some of the protesters in Lekki resorted to making bonfires that disrupted vehicular movements around the areas, even as they dared security operatives on standby to effect the 24-hour curfew declared by the Lagos State government.
Amid the confusion as the shots kept ringing out intermittently, some of the protesters and suspected ‘hoodlums’ scampered to safety while others stubbornly maintained their position.
Quite expectedly, the social media was awash with videos and pictures of the rowdy situation and suspense over alleged killings and maiming of protesters by the security, particularly the soldiers drafted in to disperse the protesters.
However, reacting to reports of high-handedness and brutish behaviour of the security operatives against the peaceful protesters, the Lagos State Government immediately ordered an investigation into the Lekki incident.
According to the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government will do everything within its power to ensure the lives of all Lagosians are protected at all times.
The released statement released late Tuesday night by Omotoso, said; “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish.
”He advises Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who have hijacked the noble protest of our gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan of turning our dear State upside down.”
But as anxiety continues to mount in the nation’s economic hub over the deteriorating security situation and reported killings of protesters and policemen, the United States (US) announced the shutting down of its Consulate in Lagos for two days as a result of the ongoing #EndSARS protests.
A message on Consulate’s official Twitter handle @USinNigeria, said: “Multiple demonstrations are ongoing across Nigeria – to include areas within the consular districts of Abuja and Lagos.
“Although most demonstrations are peaceful, some have become violent and have shut down major thoroughfares and bridges.
“Some police stations have been targeted. Lagos State closed all schools indefinitely as of October 19 due to protests and implemented a 24-hour curfew starting at 4pm on October 20.
“Consulate-General Lagos is closed for the rest of today and tomorrow.
“We continue to urge all U.S. citizens to avoid areas around protests and demonstrations and to check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Continue to be vigilant and avoid areas affected by the protests.”
Meanwhile, aside Governor Sanwo-Olu, some State governors have also announced measures put in place to end the rising waves of violence, carnage, destruction of property and reported killings in their domains.
Those on the list include: Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun); Hope Uzodimma (Imo); Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
Not left out on the roll call of those that have imposed curfew in their states to forestall the escalstion of the crisis are: Simeon Lalong (Plateau); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); and AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq (Kwara)
With Amnesty International issuing a statement condemning the alleged killings and promising an independent investigation of the incidents, unconfirmed reports on the social media puts the figure of those that have so far lost their lives in different locations across the country at over 30, including security personnel, mostly policemen.
The breakdown highlighted by the #EndSARS campaigners indicated that 10 persons were feared killed around the Apo and Dutse Alhaji areas in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and Eight (8) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Lagos reported Seven (7) deaths with two each in Edo; Kano; and Ekiti states; while Ogun reported one as at press time.
