The Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) has called on the security agents to be civil and professional in the way they handle protesters during the planned action.

The group also urged the security agents to respect the rights of citizens to express their grievances and avoid using excessive force or intimidation.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos by the president of the association, Olalekan Olabulor.

Mr Olabulor urged the police, as a leading security agency, not to allow it to be used to perpetuate violence and brutality against unarmed citizens.

He appealed to the police to stand with the people and protect their rights to peaceful assembly and free speech.

“Security agents should remember that protesters are not criminals and should not be treated as such, as long as they align themselves within the ambit of the law guiding the right to assemble peacefully and express their opinions.

“Peaceful protests are an essential part of a healthy democracy and should be protected and respected,” he said.

He also advised protesters to be aware that the protest could be hijacked by miscreants or rival groups, adding that adequate measures should be put in place to prevent a repeat of what transpired during the 2020 #EndSARS protest.

”As we reflect on the events that unfolded during the hijacked EndSARS protest, we cannot help but feel a sense of sadness and loss.

“What began as a peaceful movement to demand justice and accountability from our leaders was hijacked by miscreants, resulting in widespread destruction and chaos, leaving a devastating impact on individuals.

“Many innocent lives were lost, families were torn apart, livelihoods were destroyed, public and private properties were vandalised, businesses were looted, and critical infrastructure destroyed.

“The economic losses are still being counted, but the human cost is immeasurable. The trauma and pain inflicted on families whose loved ones died in the process will take years to heal,” he said.

(NAN)