#EndSARS: “We Did Not Attack Protesters” – Kwara State Police

The Kwara State Police Command has denied that its officials were involved in disrupting the #EndSARS protest in Ilorin on Sunday.

In a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, on Monday, the force said that the tweet that alleged that the police attacked Ilorin protesters is nothing but mischief and should be disregarded.

He claimed that the protest ever since it started in the state, have been peaceful until some of the protesters made attempt to burgle some shops at the Post Office area but were countered by the shop owners.

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Ajayi said, “The Police Command in Kwara wishes to debunk the mischievous story of the police disrupting or attacking EndSARS protesters in Ilorin on Sunday, as claimed by a tweet in circulation.

“Since the beginning of the EndSARS protest in Kwara, the protesters have enjoyed the total protection of the police command.

“There has neither been any negative report from the protesters nor the citizens in the course of the protests.

“The tweet in question was an obvious mischief that should not be taken seriously.”

Ajayi added that the Kayode Egbedokun, the state’s Commissioner of Police, said that the command is committed to protecting the lives, property, and the youths that are involved in the ongoing protest in the state.

According to Egbedokun, the protesters have the right to protests, so far they are not violating other people’s rights.

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“I believe peaceful protest is a right that must be exercised without violating the rights of others. The protesters should, therefore, refrain from violating the rights of others.

“I also appeal to the people of Kwara to be wary of what they read in the social media and not be misled by false publications.

“They should always verify the facts before they tweet, re-tweet, post or circulate negative stories, especially at this delicate period.

“We should not be pushed into crisis that will hurt our economy further when we have yet to recover from the economic hurt of the coronavirus lockdown.

“People should go about their lawful businesses without any fear of molestation.”

Egbedokun said that all complaints against policemen in the state are welcomed and can be made directly to his office through these phone numbers: 08125275046 and 07032069501.