Ekiti: #EndSARS protesters in face to face stand-off with Soldiers (Video)

Soldiers charge at peaceful #EndSARS protesters in Ekiti. pic.twitter.com/POtEHFYqez

— Iykechalyn (@iykechalyn) October 20, 2020

Nigerian youth have been protesting for over 10 days now from 8th October 2020

Why Ekiti deployed soldiers to #EndSARS protest locations – Commissioner

He also explained that the measure was taken to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the peaceful protests in the state.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Akin Omole, says the government deployed soldiers to #EndSARS protest locations in the state to protect the youths demonstrating against police brutality and extrajudicial killings.

Omole made this known in a statement on Monday night titled, ‘Ekiti Debunks Rumour Of Army Harassing Protesters In Ado Ekiti’.

The commissioner described reports “emanating from the social media that soldiers have taken over the Ado Ekiti, the state capital and chased protesters with guns as untrue and misleading.”

“Soldiers did not engage the protesters even as they barricaded most roads in the state capital throughout Monday.

“The soldiers were in the state to protect the people, including the protesters as well as to prevent hoodlums and miscreants from hijacking the peaceful protest by hiding behind the demonstration to commit crime and harass innocent citizens,” he said.

“While the present administration in Ekiti recognizes and respects the right of peaceful assembly, and in fact, identifies with the people on the demand for good governance, all stakeholders must be mindful of the safety of all lives and both public and private properties in the State.

“Innocent law-abiding citizens should be allowed to go about their lawful businesses without hindrance while there must be due cognisance of the fact that willful destruction of properties will be detrimental to the socio-economic wellbeing of the people,” the commissioner added.

Omole noted that Governor Kayode Fayemi has set up a Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for victims of SARS and related abuses to investigate possible cases of police brutality in the state in line with the decision of the governors’ forum and the recommendation of the National Economic Council.