The Lagos State Government, on Monday, categorically denied that an #ENDSARS protester was shot and killed by the police in the Surulere area of the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos.
In a press statement he issued on the matter, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said though two people, a policeman and a bystander died during Monday’s protest, they were killed by a group of hgoodlums who reportedly stormed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Police Command in Surulere in a bid to forcibly release two suspects standing trial for alleged kidnapping.
“They shot three officers,” Omotoso said. “One of them, Inspector Erinfolami Ayodeji, unfortunately, died. The others are Inspectors Ekein Joshua and Peter Agabi.
“The hoodlums, while escaping, fired into the air. A bystander was hit. He also died – sadly.”
Below is the full text of the press release.
#ENDSARS: No Protester Killed in Lagos
. . . As Governor Sanwo-Olu Calls For Peace
The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to reports that an #ENDSARS protester has been killed in Surulere. This is not true.
A group of hoodlums stormed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at Hogan Bassey Street, Surulere, to free two suspects standing trial for alleged kidnapping. They shot three officers. One of them, Inspector Erinfolami Ayodeji, unfortunately, died. The others are Inspectors Ekein Joshua and Peter Agabi.
The hoodlums, while escaping, fired into the air. A bystander was hit. He also died – sadly.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commiserates with the families, who lost their loved ones and prays that God will strengthen them.
He urges all those concerned to ensure that these protests do not degenerate further and create room for hoodlums who do not mean well for our society.
The government is working with the Police to ensure the restoration of the peace that Lagos has always been proud of.
Gbenga Omotoso
Commissioner for Information and Strategy