Nigerian Youths Dare Buhari Regime, Police, Move Plans For #EndSARS Memorial Protests Into Top Gear

Plans are in top gear to organise protests to commemorate the first anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.

Several photos have been circulated on social media showing the venues of the event across Nigeria, with the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos being the most notable venue.

Also, in Oyo State, the youths plan to converge on Iwo Road and Ojoo Roundabout, one of the fliers obtained by SaharaReporters has stipulated.

It also stipulated the dress code as “black shirt”.

One of the fliers read: “As part of the programme lined up for 1st Year Memorial of the historic #EndSARS Protests during which hundreds were killed and even many more were maimed and unjustly imprisoned, there will be these religious services to pray for the repose of the souls of the departed, peace and justice, in deference to the three faith traditions in Nigeria.

“Friday, October 15th 201 Jumat Service at Jumaat Suadr central mosque beside MRS filling Station by the pedestrian bridge, Ojota.”

“On Saturday, 16th October, the protesters plan to converge for traditional rites on the Fela Shrine, Ikeja.”

“Sunday 17th October, Church Service at Lagos Christian Center,” the flier added.

This is despite the statements released by the Oyo and Lagos state police commands warning youths to desist from participating in such protests.

The police also threatened to utilise all ‘legitimate’ means to clamp down on peaceful protests.

A statement from the Oyo State police command said the State’s Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko, has ”directed extensive visibility and aggressive patrols by Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers while the adequate deployment of operational, intelligence and tactical assets would be strategically positioned across every nook and cranny of the state.”

A similar statement from Lagos police boss, Hakeem Odumosu read: “The police in the state will not fold their arms and allow some misguided elements disrupt the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state.

“To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use all legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest…”

Meanwhile, one of the #EndSARS campaigners, Rinu Oduala, said the Lagos police boss and his officers have no right to clamp down on peaceful protesters.

According to her, the youth are not scared of the guns and weapons wielded by officers.

She added that any form of attack by policemen would be resisted.

Also, a pro-democracy group, TakeItBack Movement warned the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ngozi Onadeko to make sure that policemen under her command do not threaten, harass or kill youths that will flood streets on October 20 for the #EndSARS remembrance protest.

Backstory

In October 2020, Nigerians across the country stormed the streets to demonstrate against police brutality and bad governance under the #EndSARS campaign.

However, on October 20, soldiers from the Bonny Camp, 81 division, invaded the Lekki tollgate, where some demonstrators had gathered, and fired gunshots.

Though the right to peaceful assembly and the right to protest are constitutional rights of Nigerians, the police have continued to clamp down on protesters.

Just recently, Nigeria police opened fire on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) during a peaceful procession in Abuja.

Also, during a peaceful protest on Nigeria’s 61st independence day, men of the Nigeria Police Force fired tear gas canisters at protesters in Abuja.

The peaceful protesters could be seen chanting and displaying banners and placards saying ‘Buhari Must Go’.

Six of them were arrested by the police, brutalised and detained for demanding the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari.

They were later released.

Saharareporters