Some thugs suspected to be pro disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, have attacked #EndSARS protesters at Berger junction, Abuja.
The thugs, who were armed with cutlasses and sticks, destroyed at least five cars, while an unconfirmed number of the protesters sustained injuries.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that despite the dissolution of SARS by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday the #EndSARS protest continued in Abuja on Wednesday.
The protesters used vehicles to block motorists at Berger roundabout in Abuja chanting ‘end police brutality’.
This paralysed vehicular traffic in the area as impatient motorists made U-turn to avoid getting caught up in the resultant gridlock.
The protesters were seen stationed at Berger in large numbers.
How long do we continue this way in Nigeria?
This is Berger junction Abuja, they paid some riff-raff to attack us #AbujaProtest #SARSMUSTEND pic.twitter.com/ZmQrGhNMmb
— Celebrity Painter (@ogaKnowledge) October 14, 2020
Meanwhile, a group under the auspices of Coalition of Civil Society organisations has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Muhammed Adamu for the disbandment of SARS.
At a rally in support of police and other security agencies which took place at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, the coalition condemned the continuation of the #ENDSARS protests across the states.
Chief Convener of the Coalition, Olayemi Success, described the actions of the protesters as “totally uncalled-for and unacceptable, originally, the protest was ill-conceived as the advantages and usefulness of SARS in curbing crimes in Nigeria overwhelmingly outweighed their few mistakes, therefore, such protests can be highly demoralising”.
Olayemi added: “Today, we the leaders of different Civil society organizations are gathered here from far and near with some of our members from every nook and cranny of Nigeria in solidarity with our security agencies especially the Nigeria Police force, recently, we are all aware of pockets of protest demanding for a scrap of Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS).
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) in display of his 21st century Police officer’s compliance, the highest level of professionalism and best regards for Democracy yielded to the call and disbanded the SARS, surprisingly, the protesters still continue with their trade of protest.
“In view of the above, this solidarity march is very important to boost the morale of the policemen and women, for them to know that well-meaning Nigerians appreciate their sacrifices in securing Nigeria, we are convinced that Police is our friend and everyone that sees police as enemies are suspects.
“Let us use this opportunity to commend the world best Inspector General of Police for creating SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS TEAM (SWATT), which we believe will discharge all the responsibilities of the disbanded SARS more professionally and effectively, also, it is very important to call on the National Assembly to approve more funding for Nigeria Police force for adequate security”.
The coalition called on all Nigerians to collectively join hands with the Nigeria Police Force for enduring security and peace in Nigeria.
