Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday visited the Mrs Ngozi Iloamuazor, widow of late Mr Okechukwu Iloamuazor, who was hit by a stray bullet during the #EndSARS protest in Surulere.
The governor arrived at the victim’s house at 2pm and was received by the head of the family, Barrister Bede Enewally and other family members.
Fifty-five-year-old Iloamuazor, who was a driver, died on Monday during the protest that ended bloody when the police attempted to disperse some of the protesters who were moving towards the Anti-Cultism Police Command in Surulere area.
The governor during the visit commiserated with the family over the incident which he described as unfortunate, adding that late Iloamuazor should not have died under the circumstance but assured the family that the perpetrators would be brought to book.
“On behalf of the state government and the people of Lagos, I commiserate with the family over this mindless brutality that led to the death of your son,” said the governor.
Sanwo-Olu added, “We condemn the endless killing of innocent citizens to the highest level. It is highly disheartening to learn that the victim, Mr Iloamuazor, was performing his legitimate duty when the unfortunate incident happened.
“The officers involved are undergoing orderly room trial as we speak, but we will allow the police complete their investigation.”
A policeman, Inspector Ayodeji Erinfolami, also died in the incident.
All the four policemen who opened fire on the protesters in Surulere had been identified by the government and the police authorities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further said the state government would take the officers’ punishment beyond the established disciplinary guidelines of the police.
“We will certainly take the case out of the police and bring the full wrath of the law on the officers who perpetrated this irresponsible act. This will be a clear signal for other trigger-happy officers,” he assured Iloamuazor’s family.
He added, “Mr Iloamuazor’s death is a sad loss not only for the family but to the entire citizenry that has clamoured for an end to police brutality.
“I assure you that his death won’t be in vain and the case will not be swept under the carpet. This is going to be the beginning of a real change that people want to see in law enforcement.”
The governor reiterated that his administration remained on the side of those calling for a change in policing method.
He stressed that all those maimed or killed in Lagos in the course of the demonstration would be duly compensated, stating that the state government would honour their sacrifices by pushing for reforms that would bring about a policing system that would uphold the rights of citizens.
“As a government, we have stood on the side of the protesters and we totally believe their agitation is legitimate.
“We need total reform in the policing system, and it is a clarion call on all of us, who are exercising powers on behalf of the citizens,” Sanwo-Olu said.