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Thugs transported in Lagos BRT bus attack protesters at Alausa
BY NICHOLAS ABE
No fewer than 50 thugs transported in Lagos State-owned BRT bus, wielding machetes, iron rods and sticks attacked the #SARSMUSTEND protesters at Alausa, the seat of Lagos State Government, Thursday morning.
The hoodlums took the peaceful protesters who had gathered earlier to continue their demand for a complete restructuring of the police force and banishment of the now dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), by surprise and unleashed mayhem on them.
A few of the protesters suffered bodily injuries as a result of the attack, while they ran for safety. But as more of the protesters poured in and learnt of what was going on, they regrouped, fought back and eventually overpowered the thugs. Shortly after, the protest, now in its fourth day, continued.
The ugly incident had already set fingers pointing at Lagos State government and the chairman of state National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), MC Oluomo, as being behind the attempt to forcefully dislodge the protesters.
According to a tweet by one of the protesters, Mr Macaroni @mr_macaronii: “MC Oluomo and Baba Alado sent thugs to Alausa. They came in Lagos State owned BRT buses and the Nigerian Police refused to stop them!! We managed to copy one of the bus’ serial number; s/n 240171. Please RT. #AlausaProtest #EndSARS #EndSWAT.”
READ: Thugs attack #SARSMUSTEND protesters in Lagos, Abuja, destroy vehicles
However, Lagos State government promptly exonerated itself from the attack on the peaceful protesters.
A statement issued by the state, quoted the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as saying: “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to some unverified reports in the social media alleging that the government-sponsored thugs to disrupt the #EndSARS protest. This is untrue and wicked.
“Such wild allegations were obviously concocted by enemies of peace and orderliness to whip up sentiments against the government, which has been doing everything possible to resolve the crisis by identifying with our youths in their efforts towards police reforms.”
Likewise, both Oluomo and Alado have also denied culpability in the attack.