The Lagos State Police Command has warned intending protesters against breakdown of law and order during the hunger planned protests on 1st October, 2024.

Commissioner of Police, Olarenwaju Ishola, gave the warning during a stakeholders’  meeting with other security agencies organised by the Command in Ikeja, Lagos.

Ishola’s warning follows reports of another planned nationwide protest by some groups over hardship and hunger in the country and slated for 1st October Independence Day.

He assured residents of police presence to maintain law and order during the planned protests across the state, saying the Command is not stopping anybody from protesting, as it is their legitimate right.

The police boss said the command would live up to its mandate of ensuring no groups or individuals would be allowed to make violence and destroy people’s property and businesses in the state.

According to him, the Police does not want miscreants to take over the protest, saying they will protect all so that miscreants do not hijack it, we want peace in the State.

Ishola urged residents to go about their businesses without any intimidation, saying Protesters should not trampled on other people’s rights or disrupt public peace.

In his words, the Police will not condone any act of lawlessness or violence in any part of the State.

According to him, Independent day is a day for celebration but some group of people want to use that day for another purpose, adding  that the Command is not going to allow that to happen and hijack.

According to him, the Police as a security agencies will do all within their best to ensure that they have a good turn out for the independent day celebrations protest.

Ishola said the protesters should not disturb people who want to celebrate.

He restricted the proposed 1st October nationwide protest in Lagos to Gani Fawehinmi freedom Park at Ojota area of the state.

He said the police will enforce the court order restricting the nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardships to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota.

According to him, the protesters must keep within the ambience of what the law says, no other place in Lagos is approved except the freedom Park.

According to our correspondent, one of the protest organisers in Lagos, Hassan Taiwo, also known as Soweto, the National Coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign, was invited to the meeting, but was unable to attend the meeting, explaining that he did not receive the information early enough.

Soweto said the protest is a continuation of the nationwide rally in August against “bad governance” and hunger.

According to him, none of the demands of their 10 days of rage in August has been met.

He said the ERC and other organisations in a statement believe 1st October should be a day for all suffering Nigerians to unite and fight for survival by demanding an end to the anti-poor policies.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Department of State Service in Lagos State, Dapo Amao said it was the right of citizens to protest or express their displeasure against government but must be done in a civilised way.

Amao said there was a need to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums who are prepared to breach law and order and cause destruction in the state.

According to him, they will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure live and property are secured.

In his words, they will provide enabling environment for business to thrive and make sure things do not get out of hands.

According to him, protesters should not disturb residents from going about their lawful activities without harassment, disturbance of the public and destruction of properties.

He urged citizens to give goverment time to put things right.

Also, the Lagos State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, urged people to go back to their various communities to protest and give government time.

Keshinro said the protesters should not allow the protest to escalate to violence, if there must be protest, it must be peaceful.

He also promised to collaborate with other security agencies to protect live and property of residents.

Keshinro however urged stakeholders to spread the gospel of peace and take the message to their communities that the security agencies would not condone any act of lawlessness in the state.