Oyo police warn protesters against violence

Following the protest over fuel scarcity and new naira bills in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, on Friday, the state police order warned youths not to be used by officers of violence.

A statement from state police Public Relations Officer Adewale Osifeso said the command was fully prepared to fully mobilize to prevent the criminal elements from turning the state into their playground.

He said the available information revealed that certain unscrupulous elements have perfected plans to hijack the current situation by attacking places of interest.

Osifeso said: “The public is hereby advised, especially with regard to the youth segment, to avoid being used by agents of violence who wish to take advantage of the situation to criminally enrich themselves, especially as we navigate towards the 2023 general election , as the order is fully prepared to fully mobilize to prevent these criminal elements from turning the state into their playground.

“The state police command wants to inform members of the public to keep calm and keep the peace even amid protests that have erupted in several parts of the metropolis over the rise in fuel pump price and the unavailability of cash for dispensing at ATMs and Point of sales Terminal especially in the capital.

“It is worth noting that the information available reveals that certain unscrupulous elements have perfected plans to hijack the process, escalating the situation into complete chaos by closing down and attacking places of interest, including but not limited to INEC facilities, banks, media houses, schools, correctional centers and other critical infrastructures, including the looting of major shopping centers and business centers in the state.

“As a result of the above, residents would witness high-octane patrols in coordination with the relevant sister security agency, all in an effort to boost residents’ confidence and also reassure them of the commitments of the state police order to provide comprehensive security for everyone. residents of the state.”

The order therefore advised the people to go about their business without any fear of intimidation or molestation, as the relative tranquility within cannot be negotiated with unscrupulous and criminal elements.