Ekiti Police Warn Residents Against Joining October 1 Nationwide Protest

The Ekiti State Police Command has issued a cautionary statement to residents, particularly the youth, urging them not to participate in the planned nationwide protest on October 1.

The protest, tagged #FearlessOctober1, aims to highlight the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. Despite assurances from the organizers that the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and military will not deter their demonstration, the Ekiti Police have expressed concerns that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums.

Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, warned that breaking the law is not a means to achieve justice. He urged the youth to seek peaceful methods of addressing grievances, rather than resorting to protests that could lead to chaos.

“We advise residents not to engage in protests that could be hijacked by hoodlums, which would be detrimental to all parties. Our priority is to maintain peace and security in Ekiti State,” Akinwale stated.

He added that the police would continue to engage with key stakeholders and youth groups to ensure peace is upheld, stressing that the current economic situation requires understanding and lawful approaches, not illegal actions.