BEVERLY HILLS, October 14, (THEWILL) – The ongoing #EndSWAT protest turned violent on Wednesday in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In Lagos, protesters at Alausa in Ikeja, were attacked by a group of boys carrying sticks and other dangerous weapons in what appeared like a bid to stall the protest but were repelled by the protesting youths, who are demanding an end to police brutality and criminality as well as good governance.
The entrance to the State House of Assembly, Alausa where the crisis erupted was thrown into chaos as some angry youths descended on people suspected to have stolen some phones.
One of the victims was rescued by some officials of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, as he was almost beaten to death.
The chaos lasted for several minutes before it was brought under control. There was traffic gridlock in the area.
In a related development, armed men on Wednesday attacked peaceful protesters at Berger junction, Abuja.
Armed with machetes and sticks, the attackers vandalized vehicles belonging to the protesters and also attacked other motorists. Many were purportedly injured during the attack.
The incident momentarily led to the suspension of the protest as people including passersby and traders scampered to safety.
Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Bala Ciroma who claimed he deployed his men to ensure law and order during the protest, said five vehicles were destroyed by the attackers.
According to Ciroma, the attackers “came into the arena, and before we knew it, there were hot exchanges between the groups. The timely intervention of the police officers prevented the situation from deteriorating. However, no arrest has been made but we have commenced investigation to determine what actually happened.”
#EndSWAT Protest Turns Violent At Alausa, Ikeja#EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria pic.twitter.com/0O6dT8dGve
— THEWILL NIGERIA (@THEWILLNG) October 14, 2020
“They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in…”
Movement ✊✊✊#EndPoliceBrutality #EndSWAT #SARSMustEnd pic.twitter.com/oJYbw2cl9v— EiE Nigeria (@EiENigeria) October 14, 2020
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