The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Biodun Ajiboye has alleged that the EndSARS protest in Lagos turned out to be a devastating event that caused signifiant loss and suffering, particularly for the Yoruba community. He recounted that the widespread destruction affected not only Yorubas but also Igbos and Hausas who owned businesses in Lagos.
He highlighted that the violence and damage inflicted by protesters seemed disconnected from the original goal of ending police brutality. He stated that this level of destruction heightened skepticism in Lagos whenever protests are announced as they are now perceived as potential threats to societal stability rather than as peaceful expressions of dissent. He urged for dialogue and engagement with the government as an alternative to destructive protests.
He said in an interview with Arise TV, ”EndSARS ended in serious catastrophe. If you were in Lagos during the EndSARS you will shed tears, the Yorubas lost a lot. Everybody including Igbos, Yorubas and Hausas were were crying because these Protesters were destroying everything And it didn’t have any correlation with police brutality. How does ending police brutality have to do with burning the hight court, our city halls were destroyed.
A lot of infrastructure went on flame, they attempted to break Ikoyi prison and Kirikiri prison. So we already know in Lagos that once they say they want to protest, they are just trying to destroy the public peace. And that is why we are saying instead of protest, come in a conference format and express yourself to the government. Lay out your demands and let us dialogue about these issues. Even after destruction, there will still dialogue. So why not put dialogue before going to war.”
Watch The Video
