#EndSARS Protest: 1500 Suspects Arrested Over Violence – IGP

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The Police intelligence team has started arresting those who destroyed both private and public properties during the #EndSARS protest that later turned to violence across 13 States in Nigeria.

At least, not less than 1500 suspects have been arrested over the violence which led to several deaths and destruction of properties worth Billion of Naira across the federation.

This was disclosed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, during his visit to the Lagos State Command on Tuesday to access the extent of the destruction caused by the arsonists including the various Police Stations in Lagos.

IGP Adamu noted that the violence was caused by fake news on the social media which escalated to other States where lives were lost and properties destroyed.
He commended the Police officers for their patience by not reacting despite the level of provocation during the mayhem despite the fact that the Police had the capacity to repel those who were burning down Police Stations and looting properties.

Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, thanked the IGP for his professionalism and leadership qualities during the crises through effective management of the situation.

CP Odumosu informed the IGP that Police officers in the Lagos State Command lost six Police officers, 13 were paralyzed, 16 in various hospitals while 91 suffered various degree of injuries and four civilians died during the violence.

He said so far, the Command has arrested over 500 suspects, recovered some stolen items and the suspects have been taken to Court and were facing prosecution for the dastardly act.

Odumosu hinted the IGP that the Command has keyed into his community policing scheme and that was paying off because it was through community policing that the members of the public were able to give Police information and some looted items were recovered.

He pleaded with the IGP to give post mortem promotion to the late officers, who died during the crises and compensate their families, which he said will boost the morale of officers. He also requested for equipment to enable Police to perform in the State.

CP Odumosu asked the IGP to thank the Lagos State Governor, who has made promises to compensate the families of late officers through scholarship to the children, paying hospital bills and other benefits to the victims.