Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has asked Lagosians to stay at home or avoid some routes as the #EndSARS protest continues across the state.
This was made known on Wednesday by the General Manager of LASTMA, Olajide Ojuyoye, during an appearance on Channels TV.
Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest extrajudicial killings and brutality by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Following pressure from protesters the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, disbanded SARS and announced the formation of a new unit called Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
He also ordered former operatives of the disbanded SARS to submit themselves for psychological and medical examination at the Force HQ.
Unsatisfied with the IGP’s actions so far Nigerians on social media began another advocacy using #EndSWAT as a replacement for #EndSARS.
Nigerian youths vowed to continue with protests in Lagos and Abuja.
Speaking, the LASTMA stated that the agency has to strike a balance so as not to be seen as being against the #EndSARS protest.
“We are in this situation right now. So if where you are going is not paramount or of ultimate importance, I think you should abort and postpone,” Ojuyoye said.
“The protesters are fluid. They can block any road at any time.
“Do whatever you need to do by other means of communication. Except you are an employee and your employer forces you to come to work.
“You should avoid Muri Okunola, Alausa, Ozumba Mbadiwe. To access the island, use the 3rd Mainland Bridge-Nnamdi Azikiwe-Eko Hotel route.
“To return, go through Ojota-7up-Magodo and then walk. But as I said earlier, the protesters’ movements are fluid.”
Speaking further, the LASTMA GM said it was difficult to control traffic as protesters lock down roads.
He warned that Lagosians have to be really careful and have a complete understanding of what is on ground because no one is going anywhere wherever protesters have blocked.
