#EndSARS protest: Ex-President Jonathan cautions no life should be lost or blood spilled

A former Nigeria’s President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has again demonstrated his undisguised democratic value by calling on the authorities to ensure that the ongoing #EndSARS protest across the country did not claim lives.

Jonathan, who broke his silence since the nationwide protest began last  week, urged restraint as the protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) continued to spread.

“No Nigerian blood needs to be spilled or life lost during a peaceful protest that seeks to advance our country.

“We may hold different views on national issues, but there is no doubt that most people desire the same thing for Nigeria: a place where we can all live out the full potential of our God-given abilities.

“I implore everyone to exercise restraint as we walk through these challenging times,” Jonathan, who did not use force to bust protests during his regime, said.

Persecondnews reported that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu had on President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive on October 11 announced the dissolution of the much-dreaded strike force unit of the Police.

Adamu had ordered the personnel to report in Abuja for debriefing and medical examination before their absorption into the force.

The IGP has also floated another outfit known as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team that will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.

He said: “Prospective members of this new team will also undergo psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment.

“They are to commence training at the different Police tactical training institutions nationwide, next week.

“Personnel from the Police Commands in the South-East and the South-South will be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College, Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State.

“Those from the Police Commands from the North and the South-West will be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende, Nasarawa State and the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, respectively.’’