Armed men on Saturday invaded the #EndSARS protest in Osun State, killing one person and injuring several others in the process.
Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola was addressing the protesters at Olaiya junction in Osogbo, the state capital, when several men armed with guns and stones launched the attack.
The governor was immediately whisked away from the protest ground.
Although he was not injured, several vehicles in his convoy were damaged.
While the protest was disrupted, Oyetola assured the injured victims that the government would be responsible for their medical bills.
Oyetola had earlier told the protesters that he had confidence in their intentions, adding that the presidency directed that all state governments should constitute judicial panels of inquiry to look into the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) before it was disbanded.
In a statement, the government described the incident as an attempt on the governor’s life.
“There was an attempt Saturday on the life of the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola,” the statement read.
“Armed with guns, cutlasses, the hoodlums swooped on the Governor at Olaiya junction, while he was addressing the #EndSARS protesters at the state capital.
“Governor Oyetola had joined protesters in the walk from Alekuwodo area to Olaiya junction, singing with them and promising them that their demands will be looked into, and that he supported how their peaceful agitations which is a part of democratic process.
“However, while still addressing the youths, the armed men and women started shooting, hurled stones at the Governor’s car.”
The #EndSARS protesters are calling for an end to police brutality.
