Many Policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command escaped death from the hands of angry protesters who attacked them at the Adekunle Area, Yaba. Four patrol vehicles were also damaged by the protesters. The officers who resumed duties at about 10 am were attacked near the Adekunle Police Station. The officers were attacked with machetes, broken bottles, stones, and other cudgels.
The drivers of the patrol vehicles conveying the officers tried as they reversed to maneuver and escape the scene. But some officers sustained various degrees of injuries.
A senior police officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity told Daily Sun that:
” Our men were being moved to where they were to take over duties from their colleagues expected to be off duty today and they were attacked. As you know, RRS is a special unit and we relate with the public. We have been people’s friendly that was why our men did not expect any attack. We are still surprised that we that have been assisting the masses, especially in times of distress are being attacked. We don’t know the motive for the attack. Our vehicle was vandalized and our men are receiving treatment in hospital.”
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO )SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that RRS personnel were attacked at the Adekunle Area of the state. The PPRO stated that: “The #EndSARS protest, which is gradually becoming violent, got heightened on October 19, when violent protesters descended on some policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Command at Adekunle, Yaba, around 10am.
“The 97 policemen, who were being conveyed to their various beats on routine relief duties across the state, came across the violent protesters who started shouting ‘No Police, No Police’, and stoned them. After the attacks, 19 of the policemen were critically injured while four police vehicles were damaged. The policemen, who scampered for safety, were eventually rescued and rushed to the Police Clinic at Panti, Yaba, for medical attention.
“The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, condemned the attack and urged officers and men of the command to remain calm while they continue to manage the situation professionally, as usual in the state.
“He further appealed to community leaders, parents and guardians, traditional rulers and religious leaders, to caution the youths against violence and any act that is capable of aggravating tension in the state as such will be counterproductive”.
