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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu lists three things to do in reaction to mindless killings in Lekki

    Sanwo-Olu lists three things to do in reaction to mindless killings in Lekki

    Following shooting of #EndSARS protesters in Lekki area of Lagos by soldiers, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended all government activities for three days.

    The governor also ordered the lowering of the flags in all government establishments for 3-days.

    Sanwo-Olu further constituted a 5-man Fact-Finding Committee into the Rules of Engagement ordered and adopted by the Nigerian Army to be headed by a retired military officer not less than the rank of a General.

    “The report will be presented to the President within 2-weeks,” he said.

    READ FULL BROADCAST TEXT

    BEING THE TEXT OF A STATE-WIDE BROADCAST BY MR. BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO-OLU, LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR

    Dear Lagosians,

    I address you today with a heavy heart, but not just as your elected Governor. I do so as a father and a brother. I do so as one who is touched by the infirmities and feelings of his people. I do so as a part of the collective humanity that we all share.

    Yesterday’s events were no doubt some of the darkest gradients of our history as a State and as a people. As you are perhaps aware, I have been engaging the #EndSARS protesters since Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 October 2020 respectively.

    I declared my affinity with their crusade against all forms of police brutalities. I took all of their #5for5 demands to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu in Abuja. They were all acceded to.

    Indeed, I could say we were making progress together though the pace was slow and indeed very slow due to lack of an acceptable leadership amongst the #EndSARS protesters.
    However, events took a different turn from Sunday 18, October 2020 as criminal elements took advantage of the firm orders handed down to the officers and men of the Nigerian Police not to resort to shooting as a rule of engagement.

    In Ogolonto area of Ikorodu, armed gangs unleashed mayhem on one another. While this was happening, other criminal elements joined in attacking innocent citizens who were returning from church services. There were reported cases of violent robbery of scores of citizens and rape of frightened women scampering for safety.

    They are mothers, wives and sisters of our fellow citizens. Other criminal elements in turn began to unleash terror on citizens in different parts of the State like Fagba junction in Ogba and Ebute Metta. In the Ebute Metta incident, 19 officers and men of our Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were severally injured by armed thugs in Adekunle, Ebute Metta. The level of insecurity in different parts of the State became heightened with the multiple attacks on Police Stations.

    The lawlessness blossomed into attacking and lynching of Police officers at Herbert Macaulay and Alapere areas of Lagos. Things took a more dangerous turn on Tuesday 20th, 2020 when the Orile and Ilasamaja Police Stations were razed by arsonists.

    Chaos took over as Ajeromi Local Government Area offices were completely burnt down and wanton destruction of property followed. In the same Ajeromi, the Local Government Area, Ajegunle in particular, branches of financial institutions were looted and hoodlums attempted to gain access into the Tincan Island Ports.

    As these were unfolding, with the help of respected civil society leaders and some concerned parents, we intensified our efforts as a government to persuade the leading lights of the #EndSARS protests to suspend the protests in view of the rising insecurity in the State.

    We made the case that their battle has been won. We additionally conceded that they could resume their peaceful protests in Lekki and Alausa once we had succeeded in taming the rising wave of insecurity in the State. To achieve that, we needed a blanket stoppage of all forms of protests so as to make it difficult for violent tendencies to creep into the midst of peaceful protesters.

    Our governance of security strategy requires that we do not make a different rule for one group of protesters and another for others. Sadly, we did not succeed in persuading the group of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate to agree to this.

    Unfortunately, while many of the protesters in Alausa dispersed peacefully ahead of the start of the curfew, many of our youths at the Lekki Toll Gate insisted on continuing with the protests. Sadly, there was no leadership to appeal to as they had continually maintained that remaining leaderless was a strategy.

    For clarity, it is imperative to explain that no sitting governor controls the rules of engagement of the army. I have nevertheless instructed an investigation into the ordered and the adopted rules of engagement employed by the officers and men of the Nigerian Army deployed to the Lekki Toll Gate yesterday.

    This is with a view to taking this up with the high command of the Nigerian Army and seek the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief to unravel the sequence of event that happened yesterday.

    Fellow Lagosians, while we pray for swift recovery for the injured, we are comforted that no fatalities were recorded as widely circulated on the social media. The leadership of our Ministry of Health led by the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Akin Abayomi worked through the night with different hospitals in Lekki and environ to monitor and provide support for the injured protesters.

    It is relevant to let you know that I have also personally visited the 10 patients at the General Hospital, the 11 at Reddington Hospital and the 4 at Vedic Hospital, with mild to moderate injuries as well as the 2 in intensive care. So far, 3 patients have been treated and discharged to reunite with their families.

    However, in sensitivity with the mood of the nation at this time, I have directed the following:

    1. The immediate suspension of all State activities for 3-days except those connected with governance of security in the State and the management of the current issue.

    2. The lowering of the flags in all government establishments for 3-days.

    3. The constitution of a 5-man Fact-Finding Committee into the Rules of Engagement ordered and adopted by the Nigerian Army to be headed by a retired military officer not less than the rank of a General. The report will be presented to the President within 2-weeks.

    Fellow Lagosians, this may seem like the darkest hour of our history as a people, our sun will rise again. From the present ashes of our mourning today, a bright morning shall emerge from the womb of time and we shall rise again.

    From the lowest place where this incident has thrown us, we shall rise with wings like the Phoenix and regenerate ourselves with new strength for a brighter tomorrow.

    As we walk this phase of our history, let us remain one resilient people under God, with absolute faith trusting that we shall indeed rise again. Where we are now is fate. I apologise for everything that happened.

    God Bless Lagos State
    God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Finally! Sanwo-Olu confirms one person dead at Reddington Hospital

    Finally! Sanwo-Olu confirms one person dead at Reddington Hospital

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said one of the 11 people rushed to Reddington Hospital on Tuesday night, after the Lekki Toll Gate attack, has died.

    The governor in his earlier briefings said no one died.

    “Information reaching us now is that a life was lost at Reddington Hospital due to blunt force trauma to the head. It is an unfortunate and very sad loss.

    “This is an isolated case. We are still investigating if he was a protester”, he tweeted.

    Early on Wednesday, the governor visited three hospitals where the injured protesters were admitted.

    He said: “This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger.

    “I’ve just concluded visits to hospitals with victims of this unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki .

    “There are currently 10 patients at the General Hospital, 11 at Reddington and 4 at Vedic; with mild to moderate levels of injuries while 2 are receiving intensive medical care.

    “Three patients have been discharged & we will continue to monitor and ensure all patients get the best care.

    “As the Governor of our state, I recognize the buck stops at my table and I will work with the FG to get to the root of this unfortunate incident and stabilise all security operations to protect the lives of our residents”.

  • #EndSARS: No death recorded in Lekki shootings —Sanwo-Olu

    #EndSARS: No death recorded in Lekki shootings —Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says no death was recorded in Tuesday night attack in the Lekki toll gate area of Lagos State.

    The governor made this known in a live broadcast on Wednesday morning, saying two critically wounded victims had been operated on and were in stable condition while others with “mild to moderate” cases are still receiving treatments at various hospitals in the area.

    Sanwo-Olu, who admitted that soldiers opened fire on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate area last night in a bid to disperse them, said he is currently engaging the leadership of the Nigerian Army on the development.

    He noted that as a governor of the state, the control of military forces was not under his purview.

    Sanwo-Olu said, “For clarity, it is imperative to explain that no sitting governor controls the rules of engagement of the military. I have, nonetheless, ordered an investigation into the rules of engagement adopted by men of the Nigerian Army that were deployed to the Lekki toll gate last night.

    “This is with a view to take this up with higher commands of the Nigerian Army and to seek the intervention of Mr President in his capacity to as the Commander-In-Chief to unravel the sequence of events that happened yesterday (Tuesday) night.

    “Fellow Lagosians, whilst we pray for the swift recovery of the injured, we have not recorded any fatality as against the widespread circulation on social media.”

    “Myself and the leadership of the ministry of health have been going round. Indeed, we went round the hospitals last night. We went round mortuaries last night to see and to monitor for ourselves what has happened and to look and identified the injured protesters.

    “We personally visited the hospitals that took in these patients. 10 patients at the General Hospital in Lagos, 11 patients were at the two locations of the Reddington Hospitals both in Lekki and Victoria Island,” he said, adding others sets were at various hospitals in the Lekki area.

    “I want to expressly say that over the night, two of them had to go through surgery and I am happy to say that they are all stable and they are recovering very well. Quite a number of others are just mild to moderate states.

    “Indeed, three of them had been discharged this morning and I am told that additional three to four will be discharged anytime from now.”

  • Irate youths vandalizes Sanwo-Olu’s family house

    Irate youths vandalizes Sanwo-Olu’s family house

    Irate mob on Wednesday night gathered around the family home of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Omididun Street, Lagos Island, throwing stones at the building.

    Sanwo-Olu had imposed a curfew on the state as a result of the #EndSARS protests. Soldiers were consequently called in which led to the deaths of at least seven persons, mostly youths.

    TheNewsGuru reports that one of the youths holding a jerry can of petrol was seen soaking the house in petrol but was swiftly stopped by residents who feared that the fire could spread wildly.

    It was learnt that policemen attached to the Adeniji Adele Police Station had hurried to the scene in a bid to control the violence.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that despite sporadic shootings from policemen and soldiers deployed on Tuesday by government to enforce a 24 hour curfew at Lekki Toll Gate, #EndSARS protesters h chose to remain patriotic and resilient while aiming for a better Nigeria.

    While the shooting was ongoing, the protesters though with their voices unsteady held on their flags and recited Nigeria’s National Anthem

     

     

  • [SHAME!] #EndSARS: Gov. Sanwo-Olu orders investigation into Lekki shooting

    [SHAME!] #EndSARS: Gov. Sanwo-Olu orders investigation into Lekki shooting

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered investigation into Tuesday evening’s shooting of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza area of the State.

    There were reports of massive shooting by security agents at protesters on Tuesday evening at the Lekki Toll Gate.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said there had been reports of shooting at the Lekki Toll Plaza, following the 24-hour curfew imposed on Lagos State to stop criminals who hid under the #EndSARS protests to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.

    “The State Government has ordered an investigation into the incident.

    “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish,” the statement said.

    The statement quoted Sanwo-Olu as advising Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who had hijacked the noble protest of gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan of turning the State upside down.

    “The Governor will do everything within his power to ensure that the lives of all Lagosians are protected at all times,” the statement said.

  • #EndSARS protesters shun Sanwo-Olu’s curfew, remain at Alausa, Lekki toll gate

    #EndSARS protesters shun Sanwo-Olu’s curfew, remain at Alausa, Lekki toll gate

    Some youths on Tuesday continued their #EndSARS protest at Alausa, Lagos State despite the curfew imposed on the state.

    Apart from the curfew imposed by the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Police Command also banned protests in the state.

    The IGP also ordered the immediate nationwide deployment of anti-riot forces following increased attacks on police facilities.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu alleged that criminals had hijacked the protest movement “to unleash mayhem”.

    “Nobody except essential service providers and first responders must be found on the streets” from 4pm local time,” he said.

    “We will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state,” the governor added, saying the protests had “degenerated into a monster”.

    The Lagos state governor’s spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, said the curfew would not end on Wednesday. “A 24-hour curfew means all round the clock, day and night. It is indefinite. Nobody moves until we lift the curfew.”

    A few hours after the curfew took effect, some youths continued to push for their demands peaceful,y.

    Though policemen and soldiers were deployed in the venue of the protest, they did not disperse the protesters.

    Some of the protesters guarded the vehicles of the policemen to prevent it from being attacked by hoodlums.

    When the military personnel got to the venue of the protest, the youths formed a ‘guard of honour’ to welcome them and later rode on their vehicle as a form of solidarity.

    Also, the protesters failed to vacate the Lekki toll gate.

    Instead, they sat on the floor as a symbol that they were not ready to vacate the venue of the protest.

  • Police has commenced orderly room trial of Surulere killer cops – Sanwo-Olu

    Police has commenced orderly room trial of Surulere killer cops – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the nationwide candlelight procession for SARS victims calls for sober reflections.

    #EndSARS protesters on Friday night held a candlelight vigil in honour of all those who have been killed by operatives of the unit over the years.

    At the different locations across the country where the candlelight event held, prayers were offered for the repose of their souls after which the demonstrators sang the National Anthem.

    Those who could not join the event physically took to social media in solidarity with protesters on the ground.

    Sanwo-Olu on his official Twitter handle said: “I have seen powerful images and videos of the #CandleForSARSVictims vigils held across the country. It calls for very sober reflections”.

    He further disclosed the orderly room trial of the police officers involved in the killing of protesters in Some last Monday had commenced.

    He said: “Some of the victims attended and will testify before the panel next week. Justice will be served. Thank you to the team for actively following up and helping victims.

    “There is so much more to be done and I will keep sharing the actions we are taking in line with my announcements.”

  • #EndSARS: We didn’t sponsor armed thugs to attack protesters, we’re against thuggery – Sanwo-Olu

    #EndSARS: We didn’t sponsor armed thugs to attack protesters, we’re against thuggery – Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state did not sponsor armed thugs to attack the #EndSARS protesters in the Alausa area of the state.

    This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Lagos will never encourage thuggery’.

    Some armed thugs on Thursday morning attacked youths protesting against police brutality and extortion in the state.

    The statement also noted that Sanwo-Olu would be addressing the protesters on Thursday evening.

    The statement read in part, “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to some unverified reports in the social media alleging that the government-sponsored thugs to disrupt the #EndSARS protest. This is untrue and wicked.

    “Such wild allegations were obviously concocted by enemies of peace and orderliness to whip up sentiments against the government, which has been doing everything possible to resolve the crisis by identifying with our youths in their efforts towards police reforms.

    “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will this evening address Lagosians on the crisis.

    “The enemies of progress who are not happy that Lagos is not on fire are the ones fueling the infernal lies that the government was sponsoring thugs to attack our protesting youths. They have been posting on the social media pictures suggesting that a Lagos Bus Service vehicle was conveying thugs.

    “The bus in question was on its normal operation when it ran into a group of protesters. The passengers, who felt endangered, rushed out of the bus. They returned to continue their journey after the charging crowd had left.

    “As a government, we will never encourage thuggery or any act of violence that may put the lives and businesses of Lagosians at risk. We are strongly committed to ensuring that our youths, who have taken to the streets to air their views, are well protected.”

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu joins #EndSARS protests, announces N200m compensation for victims [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

    BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu joins #EndSARS protests, announces N200m compensation for victims [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday joined the #EndSARS protesters that besieged the premises of the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja area of the state.

    The governor also said his administration has earmarked N200 million as compensation for families of victims of #EndSARS protest in the state.

    The governor addressed thousands of #EndSARS protesters on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

    The protesters had occupied the entrance to the Lagos State House of Assembly to demand that SARS must go.

    The governor further promised to convey the request of the protesters to President Muhammadu Buhari some of which are increment in police salary as well as Justice for those killed by the police during the protest.

    Recall that the governor had earlier addressed the protesters who thronged the Lekki Toll Gate on Monday to protest.

    All across Lagos on Tuesday, the #EndSARS protest continues as protesters blocked the roads and make life unbearable for motorists.

    Meanwhile the protesters in Alausa on Tuesday did not block the road, but ensured that there is free-flow of traffic in the area, unlike Monday when the Alausa vicinity was shutdown by protesters.

  • Two things Sanwo-Olu told #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate [Photo]

    Two things Sanwo-Olu told #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate [Photo]

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has addressed #EndSARS protesters who hit the Lekki Toll Gate section of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos State, to resume demonstrations.

    The protesters took to the Lekki Toll Gate as early as 4 am on Monday morning to resume demonstration against Police brutality despite the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday afternoon, announced the disbandment of the police unit after days of online and offline protests. But peaceful protesters were still brutalized and more killings reported after the announcement.

    The protesters are now demanding that the authorities carry out psychological evaluation and re-training of all disbanded SARS officers before they are redeployed.

    However, these are the two things Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu told the #EndSars protesters today.

    1. Justice for all deceased victims of police brutality and appropriate compensation for their families.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu read out some of the names of people who were victims of SARS, he assured the youths that more names are being compiled and the government will get to the families and compensate them.

    2. Submit #EndSARS demands to President Buhari

    Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu assured the Youths that he would take their demands directly to the President in Abuja, tomorrow.

    The governor, however, asked the protesters to be calm and respect the rights of other residents.