Sunday Dare, minister of youths and sports, says Nigeria must take calls for an end to police brutality seriously.
The minister spoke on Saturday while condemning the killing of Jimoh Isiaka, one of the #EndSARS protesters, in Ogbomosho, Oyo state.
Isiaka was allegedly shot by security operatives during the day’s demonstration against the brutality and harrasmemt of Nigerians by officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
In a statement, the minister described the incident as unfortunate, adding that investigation had already commenced to unearth the root cause of the deceased’s death.
Dare, who spoke to the late Isiaka’s mother, commiserated with the family while assuring that those responsible would be brought to book.
The minister also promised to foot the medical bills of Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, a student of computer sciences, who was also injured during the incident but has been discharged from the hospital.
“The past few days have been troubling. The demand of the youth for an end to SARS and end to police brutality must be taken seriously,” the statement read.
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“Protests are not in themselves unlawful. But, must be done in a peaceful manner and not hijacked by hoodlums. The Government is committed to a revamp of the system and must be given a chance to do this.
“There is a renewed commitment at the highest levels of government to institute far reaching reforms that will see a better era of policing. Our youth are a great resource and we must protect them, not waste them.”
The statement added that the minister has scheduled meetings and consultations with relevant groups in Abuja with a view to dialogue with the youths.
The development comes after Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, had also condemned Isiaka’s killing, during the protest which also left seven others injured.
