#EndSARS: Presidency assures Nigerians there won’t be repeat of protests, says Minister

*President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians all stakeholders will be involved in the process of maintaining peace, particularly the youth, community leaders, traditional rulers, politicians, public servants, religious leaders, among others ─Mohammad Dingyiadi, Minister for Police Affairs

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians his administration will ensure that the recent #EndSARS protests in the country, which later unexpectedly, resulted in carefree looting, and wanton destruction of lives and properties do not re-occur.

ConsumerConnect reports Mohammad Dingyiadi, Honourable Minister for Police Affairs, told the State House Tuesday, November 17, 2020, shortly after the President Buhari presided over the National Security Council (NSC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, FCT.

The Minister said: “Mr. President assures Nigerians that he will do whatever it takes to ensure that a repeat of the #EndSARS protest does not occur in Nigeria again.

“Mr. President assured that all stakeholders will be involved in the process of maintaining peace in the country, particularly the youth, community leaders, traditional rulers, politicians, public servants, religious leaders, etc.

“The Federal Government will continue to maintain its democratic, humane and just postures in handling security matters in the country.”

According to Dingyiadi, “what we are saying is that government will continue to dialogue, listen and carry all stakeholders along in ensuring that there is no repeat of what happened that led to the destruction of both public and private properties.”

The National Security Council also highlighted with dismay the increased cases of banditry and kidnapping especially in the North-West and North-Central parts of Nigeria, said he.

He further stated that Council decided to better equip the Nigeria Police with modern-day technology in order to be able to tackle the menace in the country.

Recall that Nigerians took to the streets early October to protest against Police brutality, harassment, and human rights violations in the country.

The demonstrations, which had begun peacefully across the country, were however, later hijacked by hoodlums.

Subsequently, the ensuing development degenerated into violence that resulted in deaths, looting, and wanton destruction of public and private property.

Subsequently, the unfortunate twists of events, therefore, made a considerable number of state governments, including the Lagos State Government, to declare curfews as part of efforts at restoring relative peace and stability in the country’s economy.

Nonetheless, recent report has hinted at the possibility of the protesters’ returning to the streets to drive home their demands.

One of the most prominent incidents, fuelling the desire, especially having gained international attention is the infamous #LekkiShooting.

The incident occurred October 20, 2020, in the Lekki Toll Gate area of Lagos State, when men in military uniform stormed the protest ground and opened fire on peaceful #EndSARS protesters.