#EndSARS protests Are A Strong Indicator of A Systemic Failure – Gov. Seyi Makinde

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde has said that the protests calling for the end of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS)  are a strong indicator of a systemic failure.

He stated this following the death of a protester, Jimoh Isiaka, in Ogbomosho. Isiaka was allegedly killed by one of the police officers that were trying to stop the protest.

President Muhammadu Buhari meets IGP Mohammed Adamu over ENDSARS protests

“The hashtag #EndSARS has been trending on social media and it has now got the support of Nigerian celebrities who called for a scrap of the Police unit due to high handedness and abuse of human right by the police officers in the unit.

“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. 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 governor stated in a statement released today.

Buhari promises to reform Police

President Muhammadu Buhari had yesterday met with the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu over the situation, expressing the determination to reform the Police.

“I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt. I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people,” he wrote on his Twitter page.

Makinde further stated that the protests are a strong indicator of a systemic 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.”

He added that peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process and the right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution.

“I will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights.”

He, therefore, called on all residents of Oyo State to please remain calm.

“I also call on the Police to allow residents of Oyo State to 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.”

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