The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has urged residents to refrain from engaging in violence towards protesters ahead of a planned nationwide demonstration scheduled for August 1-10. Fayoade made this plea during a town hall meeting with traditional rulers and community leaders in Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Lagos Island.
The commissioner emphasized that while the police and other security forces are opposed to any form of protest, residents should avoid confrontations with protesters and instead report any planned violent protests to the authorities. He stressed that peaceful protests are a legitimate right, but violence will not be tolerated.
Traditional rulers and community leaders, including Oba Abdulfatai Aromire of Ijora/Apapa, have also spoken out against the planned protest and commended the police for their efforts in addressing crime in the area. They have called for action against land grabbers and praised the commissioner for his success in dealing with kidnappers in Mushin.