Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello yesterday expressed concerns over violent escalations witnessed across the country in the ongoing #EndSARS protests by youths, calling on them to cease fire.
Bello, in a broadcast to Nigerian youths on the ongoing protests for reforms in the Police Force, said Nigerian youths had already won the war, but should not allow themselves to lose the battle ultimately.
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He said he was concerned over the manner the protests which began on a peaceful note were now been infiltrated by criminal elements engaging in destructions of public facilities.
He said the youths had been able to make their voices heard loudly through the protests prompted by President Muhammadu Buhari to disband the SARS and equally promise far reaching reforms in the Police Force.
He said it was time the protesting youths ceased actions and explored other means of making their views known to authorities without necessarily causing security breaches.
“I and many people of goodwill who have stood with this cause are thus understandably pained by the needless and violent escalation we witnessed in several places yesterday.
“We’re 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.
“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 intents which have no nexus with your noble objectives,” Bello said.
