Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has condemned the alleged killing of a policeman and injuring of another during the #ENDSARS protest in Ughelli on Thursday.
Okowa, in a statement by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, his Chief Press Secretary in Asaba on Saturday, disclosed that it was disheartening that the unfortunate incident occurred while the policemen were carrying out their lawful duties.
According to him, although citizens have the right to protest against cases of injustice or perceived wrongs in society, such rights must be exercised within the ambit of the law, NAN reports.
“As a government, we recognize that protest on any issue of governance or the like is a legitimate right of citizens but must be embarked on responsibly and within the ambit of the law.
“I, therefore, condemn in very strong terms, the killing of Corporal Etaga Stanley and injuring of another officer, Sergeant Patrick Okuone, by hoodlums under the guise of #ENDSARS protests.
“I call for calm in the area and urge the police authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the issue over the protest and circumstances surrounding the killing of the policeman, injuring of another and damages to police patrol vehicles by the hoodlums reportedly sponsored by ‘Yahoo Boys’.
“I also call on the people, particularly youths, not to take the law into their hands. It’s the constitutional duty of the police to maintain law and order in the society, and they should be supported by all and sundry to do so at all times,” he said.
He added: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the state Commissioner of Police, the State Police Command and the family of the deceased officer, in the unfortunate incident of Thursday at Ughelli.
“I call on the people of Delta and other Nigerians involved in the #ENDSARS protests to remain peaceful while the Inspector-General of Police carries out reform on the SARS team as being demanded.”
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