Soji Ajibola, Ibadan
Inspector General of Police, Muhammad Abubakar Adamu, has enjoined officers of the Oyo State Police Command to be civil in their dealings with members of the public in the course of carrying out their constitutional duties.
Adamu noted that the EndSARS protest started as a peaceful protest by Nigerians who gave five (5) conditions, adding that police gave the aggrieved citizens maximum protection and security before the protest was hijacked by hoodlums.
He also reminisced on how the protest started in Ogele part of Delta State.
IGP said, “We are here in respect to what happen as a result of EndSARS protest, it started as Fake News in Ugheli, Delta State after police on patrol accosted two people, who parked their vehicle in a suspicious manner, One of them fell from the car and slumped while a passer-by recorded the video, claiming police killed someone in Ughelli and it spread across the country.
“The request to #EndSARS started since 2015. Although it is an inevitable section, past administration reformed, we have dissolve it. Protesters refused to leave the street after the conditions have been met because their sponsors are not satisfied with their aims.”
He, however enjoined officers of the command not to be demoralized in carrying out their duties of protecting lives and properties of Nigerians.
He maintained that no amount of attack or insult should prevent officers from performing their duties, adding that the society is at stake if police decide to seize quality service.
Adamu further advised officers to go about their lawful duties with courage and civil approach to entire Nigerians, adding that carrying of arms is not for decoration or to kill but to protect and refrain further act of criminalities except there is substantial need.
He also noted that government had promised to compensate policemen who lost their lives during the protest and their families.
Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, in his welcome address, described IGP Adamu’s visit to the state command almost immediately after the EndSARS protest as a timely, morale booster and rare privilege which the command is eternally grateful.
Enwonwu added that the loyalty of the Oyo State Police Command to continuous protection of lives and properties in the Ibadan and other axis of Oyo State remained unshaken.
He appreciated IGP Adamu for his utmost commitment towards reducing the act of crime and criminalities to the barest minimum.
