By Gbenga Abulude (Politics and General Desk)
Thugs reportedly infiltrated the #EndSARS protesters and attacked operatives of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at Adekunle, Yaba as 19 of them sustained injuries.
The attack took place on Monday while the operatives were being moved to relieve their colleagues who have been on duty since Sunday.
The thugs who allegedly joined the protesters in the area, on sighting policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) reportedly became violent, hurling stones, sticks and bottles at them.
They started shouting “No Police, No Police” and stoned the policemen, critically injuring 19 of them. Four police vehicles were also damaged.
The policemen, who scampered for safety, were eventually rescued and rushed to the Police Clinic at Panti, Yaba, for medical attention.
It was also gathered that thugs also attacked RRS operatives at LASU area of Lagos, forcing their vehicle to make a turn and escaped.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police Lagos state, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has condemned the attack and urged officers and men of the command to remain calm while they continue to manage the situation professionally, as usual in the state.
He further appealed to community leaders, parents and guardians, traditional rulers and religious leaders, to caution the youths against violence and any act that is capable of aggravating tension in the state as such will be counterproductive.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi also condemned the attacks and noted that some of the protesters exhibited violent character and disdain for the police, urging them to refrain from such needless provocative behaviour.
Adejobi lamented many policemen were injured in Adekunle area of Yaba, adding that many of those protesting were too aggressive and do not want to see the police around them.
He appealed to the protesters to be organised and have a structure so that they can easily communicate the reasons behind the protests to supporters. According to him, this would help avoid misrepresentation and prevent chaotic situation.
