By Kazeem Awojoodu, Ibadan.
Oyo state Police Command has revealed plans by cultists to launch mayhem within their rival gang on Thursday July 7th, 2022.
The command has also warned against illegal gathering of any with the intention to foment trouble in the state.
The development according with a press statement issued by the state police public relations officer, SP. Adewale Osifeso.
A copy of the statement made available to journalists in the state on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 stated how readiness the command are in ensuring safety of lives and properties of residents and citizens of the state.
The statement reads in part “anchoring on the readiness to emplace a generally peaceful Oyo state in line with the tenets of proactive, intelligence and technology-based Policing through Community oriented partnership and professional Policing principles, the Oyo State Police Command through purposeful intelligence gathering has uncovered plans by cultists/hoodlums to launch large-scale retribution and mayhem among rival gangs in a bid to commemorate their Annual Founders’ day celebration.
In view of this, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Williams psc(+) fdc mnim is issuing a strong warning to any person(s) or group under any of these categories with the intent of deliberately scuttling the relative tranquility enjoyed in the State to have a re-think as the Command would not sit in docile stupefaction while unscrupulous elements have a field day.
Consequent upon the above, the Oyo State Police Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies will clamp down heavily on organizers, leaders and progenitors of such sinister plans whose aim is targeted at triggering needless episodes of bloodletting and destruction of innocent lives and property.
In furtherance to the above, the Commissioner of Police wishes to assure the citizenry of comprehensive security coverage embedded with effective deployment of intelligence, operational and tactical apparatus through high octane confidence building patrols, purpose driven surveillance and intelligence-led stop and search duties across the length and breadth of the State.
To this end, Parents, guardians and persons of influence are advised to caution their wards and proteges to refrain from any unlawful gathering or assembly with intent to breach the peace of the land as the State Police Command will arrest and prosecute violators.
Also, Hoteliers, Proprietors of lounges and other recreational facilities are advised against consenting to the use of their facilities/properties to aid cult related activities as owners of such facilities are liable for prosecution as well.
While expressing confidence in the measure of proactivity already in play, the Commissioner of Police wishes to urge all and sundry to remain law abiding and vigilant enough to report any suspicious activity to the Police command or nearest Police formation, and to go about their businesses without the fear of harassment or molestation from anyone.
In cases of emergency, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (toll free) (OYO STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND), and Oyo State Police Command emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614. The NPF rescue me app is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and I phone users respectively.