EndSARS: We Didn’t Promote Looting, Vandalization – WhatsApp Group Admins Laments

Whatsapp Admins of EndSARS protesters in Osun State, Babawale Popoola, and Queen Fisayo Aderemi have disassociated themselves from looting and vandalization.

News Rain Nigeria gathered that the two activists who were reportedly the admin of the Osun EndSARS WhatsApp group speaking in an interview on Wednesday said they were not part of looting and vandalization of private and government properties which occurred in some part of the state during the protest.

According to them, throughout the period of the protest, it was coordinated in the most peaceful manner until suspected hoodlums took advantage by harassing and extorting road users.

We Didn’t Promote Looting, Vandalization

They said the genuine EndSARS protesters’ agitation was the same 5 for 5 national demands, adding that they did not involve in the demand to proscribe OYES, an increase of workers salary payment within seven days, the immediate resignation of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, and promoting the ideology of #RevolutionNow.

When asked if they can give an account of everyone who participated in the protest, they said Osun EndSARS protest like others across the country welcomed all residents of the state who are in support of the 5 for 5 national demands adding that they did not document their identities.

Speaking on the day when the looting started in the state, Popoola said he and other leaders of the movement were in the residence of Aderemi having a meeting on the way forward of the protest before the report of looting got to them.

They said immediately the looting was condemned through a press release and genuine protesters were advised to stay off the street.

Aderemi on her part noted that the looting activities that took place in some party of the state where private stores, shops, and offices were burgled were a pure daylight rubbery.

She explained that during the protest some faceless persons issued out a press release and her name was illegally added as signatory which she later debunked.

The two leaders said Osun State Police Command has invited them on two different occasions to give their account on the protest as mobilizers in the state.

According to Popoola who said they are aware that three persons have been remanded in the Ilesa Correctional Centre with the accusation of looting and rubbery, adding that Oyewale Segun is a genuine protester.

Popoola explained that Segun was in Lagos during the looting period, insisting that he has no connection with looting and vandalization.