Police warn against protest over insecurity in Osun

The police command in Osun has warned residents in the state against unlawful gathering or protest over rising insecurity and hike in food prices.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, Yemisi Opalola, Osun police spokesperson, said those nursing the idea to organise a protest should abandon such plans.

The police said the decision to ban the protest is because such gatherings could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

“The intelligence availed the command revealed that some unscrupulous elements are planning to embark on unlawful gathering/protest. This protest is to show their grievances concerning an ill-conceived perception of insecurity and hike in food prices, allegedly in the state,” Opalola said.

“The state Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode, therefore wishes to advise that this unlawful plan be jettisoned. The CP warned that the state police command will not condone any act(s) that will jeopardise the existing relative peace and tranquility presently enjoyed in the state.

“It should be noted that the spate of insecurity presently experienced is nationwide and not peculiar to Osun. Be reminded also that, gathering of any sort is unlawful and a violation of COVID-19 laws.

“The CP, therefore, appeals to all parents and guardians to warn their children and, or wards to desist from any act(s), capable of causing the breach of peace in the state.

“Be warned also that, the Command will not tolerate deliberate blocking of roads to impede free-flow of human and vehicular movements, molestation of peace-loving members of the public, and willful/malicious destruction of any kind whatsoever. This will be resisted vehemently.”

The police commissioner assured residents that adequate security measures will be put in place to ensure that people can move about freely.