The Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative has called on the Federal Government to move against the alleged plan to unleash violent on the country in a manner similar to the October 2020 EndSARS protest.
In a statement on Tuesday, the group’s President, Mr. Olusegun Ahmadu; and Secretary, Mr, Olufemi Adefemiwa said the action “poses a significant threat to the safety and stability of Lagos and the entire South West region of Nigeria”.
Addressed to the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General, Department of State Services, the group urged the officers to “deploy necessary security measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties in Lagos and the South West region and indeed the entire country”.
The statement read: “On behalf of The Yoruba Initiative, we are writing to urgently draw your attention to credible information regarding the planning of another violent protest, similar to the EndSARS protest, which poses a significant threat to the safety and stability of Lagos and the entire South West region of Nigeria.
“The previous EndSARS protests resulted in devastating consequences, including the wanton destruction of lives and properties. The violent nature of these protests not only disrupted the peace but also left a trail of economic and emotional scars that are still healing. As concerned citizens, we cannot afford to witness another wave of such destructive activities, which appear to be more politically motivated than economically driven.
“Our intelligence suggests that Lagos is being specifically targeted as part of a broader scheme to destabilise the South West region. This planned protest is not merely a call for economic reforms but a calculated move to incite chaos and undermine the progress and peace in our region. It is imperative that the authorities take immediate and decisive action to prevent this from happening.
“Furthermore, we have identified one of the masterminds behind this planned protest, who resides in Europe. He is a leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) and has been working tirelessly to bring an ethnic coloration to this protest, aiming to destroy Yoruba land. His involvement poses a significant threat, and it is crucial that his activities are thoroughly investigated and curtailed.
“The planned protest dates are set for 1st through 4th of August through. Immediate and preemptive action is necessary to prevent these events from escalating into violence. It is also worth noting that Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. Why then are these violent protests always bent on targeting Lagos and
other Yoruba cities? This focus raises serious concerns about the true motives behind these
protests and the deliberate attempt to destabilize our region.
“We urge you to:
1. Conduct a thorough investigation into the individuals and groups orchestrating this planned protest, including those residing abroad.
2. Deploy necessary security measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties in Lagos and the South West region and indeed the entire country.
3. Engage with community leaders and stakeholders to foster peace and understanding, and to counter any misinformation that may be fueling these planned protests as being circulated widely on social media.
4. Take legal actions against those found culpable in inciting violence and planning destructive activities, particularly those with affiliations to proscribed organizations like IPoB.
“The Yoruba Initiative is committed to supporting the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force, the (DSS) Department of State Security, and all security agencies in maintaining law and order. We believe that through collective vigilance and prompt action, we can avert another tragic episode and safeguard the prosperity of our nation.
“We trust that you will give this petition the urgent attention it deserves and take all necessary steps to prevent any form of violence and unrest.
“Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical matter”.
