The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde said he received with deep sadness the news of the passing of one of our children, Jimoh Isiaka, who was shot during the #EndSars protest in Ogbomoso. He said Jimoh later died at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, earlier today.
Also, at this same protest, Abdulrasaq Olawale, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, and five other persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Governor Makinde said this situation is highly regrettable. He said he has 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. He prayed 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.
The governor said he will be paying a personal visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and he promised to pursue the investigations to a logical conclusion.
He said peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process. The right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution, and he will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights.
The Governor called on all residents of Oyo State to please remain calm. He also called on the Police to allow residents of Oyo State protest peacefully without fear of being assaulted.
Finally Governor Makinde expressed his deepest sympathies to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and prayed for his soul rest in peace.