Soji Ajibola, Ibadan
Yoruba Youth Socio-cultural Association has warned against the use of soldiers to stop the ongoing protests against the activities of the Special Anti Robbery Squad ( SARS) in some parts of the country.
The association’s National President, Hammed Olalekan, on Saturday said there were plans by Nigerian Army to begin Operation Crocodile Smile in all states of the federation on 20th of this month to stop ENDSARS Protest.
The youth which rejected the idea, described it as undemocratic and malicious step aimed at cracking down on protesters.
The group said, “What is going on in the country right now is as a result of frustration that emanated from bad governance, nepotism and injustice.
“Though EndSARS protest was triggered by the viral video of SARS officers in their usual deadly act but it compounded anger, agony, distress, prolonged suffering among others and ignited emotion of Nigerian youths beyond expectation.
“Moreover, demonstrating to show their displeasure over police brutality is still within the context of the law. It is extremely dangerous for military to interfere in the situation or launch any form of operation.”
They added that the youth were already in desperate mood to ensure that all their demands were met, “if care is not taken, they may frustrate the military who intend to put an end to their demonstration and that will lead to killings and consequently lead to the beginning of a real revolution.
“The Nigerian Army should remember that we are in democracy which gives them no legitimate powers to kill people exercising their rights in accordance with the constitution.”