SARS: Oyo Gov. Makinde Reacts To Unfortunate Death Of Jimoh Isiaq

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has commiserated with the family of Jimoh Isiaq, a Nigerian youth (an onlooker) who was killed by police's stray bullet during an #EndSARS protest in Ogbomosho on Saturday.

AllNews reports that Makinde in a statement on Saturday also disclosed that he has ordered the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Nwachukwu Enwonwu to commence investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident that as well led to injuries to at least six other persons.

Nigerian youths took to the streets in large numbers this week to protest against the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a controversial unit in the Nigeria Police Force.

#EndSARS has been the top hashtag worldwide in the last 24 hours, as protestors continue to demand SARS is disbanded.

After several allegations which include extortion and killings, many Nigerians are demanding a total ban of their operation, after previous efforts by the government to reform and reorganize the unit.

Nationwide protests across major cities in Nigeria were a culmination of weeks of anger and outcry online by the country's young people over claims of harassment and extortion by SARS.

"I have received with deep sadness the news of the passing of one of our children, Jimoh Isiaka, who was shot during the ENDSARS protest in Ogbomoso," Makinde said.

"He later died at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, earlier today.

"Also, at this same protest, Abdulrasaq Olawale, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, and five other persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

"This situation is highly regrettable.

"I have contacted the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant agencies, and investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident are still ongoing.

"I pray that God grants the parents of Jimoh Isiaka the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

"The ENDSARS protests are a strong indicator of a systemic failure. It is a failure on the part of those who have been constitutionally empowered to protect the citizens.

"It again calls into question why State Governors are called Chief Security Officers of their state whereas, they do not have the necessary powers to control the police force.

"I will be paying a personal visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and I promise to pursue the investigations to a logical conclusion.

READ ALSO: End SARS Protester 'Bears Charms' In Major Nigerian City (Photos/Video)

"Peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process.

"The right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution, and I will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights.

[VIDEO] Burial of Jimoh Isiaq, an onlooker allegedly shot dead by Policemen in the historic Nigerian town of Ogbomoso during a protest against SARS' brutality.#EndSarsNow #EndSarsProtests #EndSARSOGbomoso #EndSARSImmediately #EndSARSBrutalitynow #EndPoliceBrutalitynow pic.twitter.com/e1ho99ZwTC

— AllNews Nigeria (@allnewsngr) October 10, 2020

"I call on all residents of Oyo State to please remain calm.

"I also call on the Police to allow residents of Oyo State protest peacefully without fear of being assaulted.

Again, I express my deepest sympathies to the family of Jimoh Isiaka, may his soul rest in peace.

— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) October 10, 2020

"Again, I express my deepest sympathies to the family of Jimoh Isiaka, may his soul rest in peace."