Protest: Police uncovers plot by suspected criminals to disrupt peace in Oyo

Protest: Police uncovers plot by suspected criminals to disrupt peace in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command on Monday, July 29, said it has uncovered plot by some unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of the proposed August 1 nationwide protests to plunge the state into chaos and anarchy.

The police stated that the mischievous individuals under the auspices of the planned protest have concluded plans to destabilize the State in a bid to exploit the protests for their criminal agendas by destroying critical assets, harassing of innocent citizens and looting of private businesses among others.

A statement by the spokesman of the Command, Adewale Osifeso urged the protesters to put interest of the state and Nigeria at mind ahead of any other thing.

Osifeso assured that the Command looked forward to protecting peaceful protesters as they go through identified designated routes and stops.

He said, “In our proactive nature, residents will witness high octane confidence-building motorized patrols in concert with our esteemed sister services in a bid to reassure residents about our commitment to their safety.

“There will also be intelligence driven stop and search and purposeful surveillance duties by the Command’s tactical and intelligence asset around critical infrastructures and public spaces in other to prevent hoodlums from making it their playground.

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“In furtherance to the above, the Commissioner of Police in the state have directed all Area Commanders in the Command to personally lead convoy patrols at their respective area commands even as they perform supervisory functions on their respective field officers inclusive of Divisional Police Officers, Tactical team leaders and junior ranks.

“The Officers and Men of the Oyo State Police Command under my watch shall respect the rights of all participating peaceful protesters.

“Lastly, as we keep close watch towards the build-up, in the interest of public safety and order, I urge all groups planning to protest in the State to approach the Command with necessary details on proposed protest routes and assembly points, expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers, and easures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.

“I hereby urge parents, guardians and leaders in diverse spheres of influence to prevail on their children, wards and followers against been used as cannon fodders at this time by agents of mischief as there will be dire consequences for any criminal actions channeled at disrupting the relative tranquility enjoyed in the State.

“While appreciating the members of the fourth estate, “the Media”, we appeal to them to help set-up an agenda for a violent free protest and as well discourage the spread of unverified news potent enough to ignite chaos during the period at hand.

“Finally, we encourage all peaceful and legitimate protesters to cooperate with the Command, obey the laws, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.

Protest: Police uncovers plot by suspected criminals to disrupt peace in Oyo