Etim Ekpimah
Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA has dispelled allegations that the agency refused to assist protesters, when they were attacked by hoodlums.
A statement signed by the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, on Thursday said LASEMA personnel and vehicles had been under attack and harassment since the protests started, adding that the agency has been struggling to maintain a presence while still keeping its personnel safe.
He said, “Our emergency response lines (112/767) developed a fault early hours of Monday morning and despite a number of temporary fixes, went into shutdown mode on Tuesday. To forestall any incident, we circulated alternative numbers including the direct line of the Director General/CEO.
“We also wish to categorically debunk the allegation that there were any ‘instructions’ not to respond to incidents. Our personnel were simply terrified by the angry mob that stormed the Lekki Dispatch Centre last night.
“Even today, we and the other emergency responders have been unable to respond to fires due to our vehicles being attacked.
Oke-Osanyintolu appealed for calm and for understanding, saying that the agency is trying to play its part in keeping Lagosians safe. According to him, the agency sympathises with all those who have lost loved ones, noting that it and fully acknowledge the rights of Nigerians to peacefully protest while making their demands known.