#EndSARS: Killing Of Lekki Toll Gate Protesters Was Unfortunate And Unacceptable – Ortom

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has come out to blast the tragic attack on #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.

He recently revealed that the attack was unfortunate and unacceptable because the perpetrators just wasted the lives of innocent and unarmed young Nigerians.

According to him, it is very reprehensible to kill young persons who came out holding the National Flag and chanting the country’s anthem while calling for positive change for the good of everyone.

He added that democracy allows for the right of citizens to express themselves against unfavorable policies of government, so no one deserves to die for doing just that.

His words, “Visiting the END SARS protesters with violence is not a solution to the agitations, I urge the Federal Government to embrace dialogue and address the concerns of Nigerians as echoed by the protesting youths.

“I also call for a thorough investigation into the shooting that led to the death of some of the protesters, to fish out perpetrators of the heinous crime, for prosecution.”

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The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is a Nigerian Police Force unit under the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police Anthony Ogbizi. Since 2012, SARS has come under controversy for being linked to acts of extortion, torture, framing and blackmail.

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad was founded in 1992 by former police commissioner Simeon Danladi Midenda. The major reason SARS was formed was when Col. Rindam, a Nigerian Army Colonel was killed by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.

SARS is one of the 14 units in the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department which was established to detain, investigate and prosecute people involved in crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping and other forms of crimes.

During its formation the Special Anti-Robbery Squad was known to operate covertly. SARS operatives were not allowed to wear police uniform, publicly carry guns or have walkie-talkies. They were given unmarked vehicles with sometimes no license plates or private plate numbers during duty.