Oyo police warn protesting youths against violence
Following Friday's protest in Ibadan, Oyo State's capital, over a lack of fuel and new naira notes, the state police command has warned youths to avoid being used by agents of violence.
According to Adewale Osifeso, the state Police Public Relations Officer, the command is fully prepared to mobilize to prevent criminal elements from turning the state into their playground.
According to available intelligence, certain unscrupulous elements have perfected plans to exploit the current situation by attacking points of interest.
"Members of the public, particularly the youth segment, are hereby advised to avoid being used by agents of violence who want to capitalize on the situation to criminally enrich themselves, especially as we navigate towards the 2023 general elections, as the command is fully prepared to mobilize fully to prevent these criminal elements from turning the state into their playground," Osifeso said.
"The state police command wishes to inform members of the public to remain calm and maintain peace even amidst pockets of protest that have emanated at various parts of the metropolis over hike in fuel pump price and unavailability of cash for dispense at ATM machines and Point of sales Terminal, particularly within the capital," the statement said.
"Worthy of note is that available intelligence reveals that certain unscrupulous elements have perfected plans to hijack the process, escalating the situation into full scale chaos by shutting down and attacking places of interest which includes but not limited to INEC facilities, banks, media houses, schools, correctional centres and other critical infrastructures inclusive of looting major malls and business centers within the state.
"As a result of the foregoing, residents will witness high-octane patrols in collaboration with relevant sister security agencies, all in an effort to boost residents' confidence and reassure them of the state police command's commitment to providing comprehensive security for all residents in the state."
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