Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has decried the police’s action in killing Jimoh Isiaka in Ogbomoso during #EndSARS protest.
Isiaka was reportedly shot dead during the protest by trigger-happy police officer.
The police spokesman in Oyo State Olugbenga Fadeyi in a statement issued on Saturday, had said that the police did not fire a single shot at any protesters.
“The Police did not fire a shot or kill any protester as widely circulated,” Fadeyi said.
He, however, said the police used tear gas to disperse the protesters when “they started throwing stones into the Police premises and attempted to gain entrance into the premises.”
However, Makinde, in a statement said he received with deep sadness the news of the passing of one of Isiaka, who was shot during the ENDSARS protest in Ogbomoso and later died at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, earlier today.
He said at this same protest, Abdulrasaq Olawale, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, and five other persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
“This situation is highly regrettable. I have contacted the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant agencies, and investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident are still ongoing.
“I pray that God grants the parents of Jimoh Isiaka the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. The ENDSARS protests are a strong indicator of a systemic failure. It is a failure on the part of those who have been constitutionally empowered to protect the citizens.
“It again calls into question why State Governors are called Chief Security Officers of their state whereas, they do not have the necessary powers to control the police force,” he said.
Makinde said he would be paying a personal visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and that he promised to pursue the investigations to a logical conclusion.
“Peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process. The right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution, and I will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights.
“I call on all residents of Oyo State to please remain calm. I also call on the Police to allow residents of Oyo State protest peacefully without fear of being assaulted,” he added.
