The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has appealed to the #EndSARS protesters nationwide to stop the protests as some criminal elements have started to infiltrate their ranks.
The Governor noted that since the federal government has promised to look into their demands, it is important for them to trust the government and allow it some time to work out the details.
Bello made the call in a state-wide broadcast where expressed worries that what has so far been a peaceful protest may be allowed to degenerate into violent clashes if caution and wisdom is not applied to protect the victories already recorded from the online and physical protests.
He warned that the criminal elements must not be allowed to spoil the good works of the innocent protesters who are calling for an end to police brutality and a total reform of the system.
He said in the broadcast: “We are now concerned that what has been a generally peaceful citizens’ protest is now threatening to dissolve into mindless attacks on government facilities and running battles with the police.”
“Greatest and ever gallant Nigerian youths, from what we saw yesterday, the ranks of genuine protesters have been infiltrated by criminal elements armed with dangerous weapons.
“Not only that but they are acting in pursuit of nefarious intent which have no nexus with your noble objectives. I hold the opinion that you have won a battle, and I must now urge you not to lose the war. Protesters have a tangible and moral victory in the bag, and it is wisdom to safeguard it.
“It is now time to step back and explore other forms of dissent which will not provide crowd cover for persons and agenda which you obviously do not endorse.
“The nation’s leadership must also be accorded some time and breathing space to push through on promises of change.”
Meanwhile, Bibian Anekwe News reports that Nigerians protesting against police brutality in Abuja under the #EndSARS movement were on Wednesday attacked by armed thugs.
It was gathered that the thugs armed with cutlasses invaded the protest venue at Berger junction about an hour after the #EndSARS protesters had convened.
They harassed the protesters, including passers-by, destroying vehicles parked in the area.
An unconfirmed number of the protesters sustained injuries with five cars reportedly destroyed.
